Direct Travel has announced that two of the group’s Canadian advisors have been named finalists for prestigious Virtuoso Travel community awards.
The advisors are Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Direct affiliate Lush Life Travel in Ottawa and Shawn Kilner of Imagine Cruise & Travel in Nanaimo, B.C. Gallant-Halloran is nominated in the Top Sustainability Community award category, while Kilner is a nominee in the Top Culinary Community Advisor award category.
(photo courtesy of Direct Travel)
The awards reflect the advisors’ strong support of Virtuoso partners in their respective communities.
Stephen Smith, SVP Leisure Strategy & Marketing at Direct Travel. (Photo Credit: photo: Stephen Smith)
“It’s wonderful to see Sheila and Shawn nominated for these awards,” said Stephen Smith, Direct Travel’s SVP, Leisure Strategy & Marketing. “They have both carved out niches in a very competitive industry and are proving they are at the top of their game. To be recognized like this amongst one’s peers is impressive indeed.”
Responding to her nomination, Gallant-Halloran commented, "I have long joined hands with those who champion sustainable tourism, and feel strongly that we can have a trip of a lifetime while also making a positive impact on the local communities and places.”
Kilner, who specializes in small ship and river cruises as well as adventure travel, is proud of her achievements in the field of culinary travel. “When one experiences ‘local,’ there is always a story about the cuisine, maybe a local cheese maker, an organic farm or family-secret recipes. Food connects people, history and culture.”
The winners will be announced at the Community Lunch event at Virtuoso Travel Week which will take place in Las Vegas in August.
Topics From This Article to Explore
