Direct Travel Canada Multiple Award-Winner At Virtuoso Canada Forum

Image: Celebrating at the Virtuoso Canada forum were members of Direct Travel’s Canadian management team including: Lara Lazare, Vice-President ITA and VIP Services/Les services Direct Travel; Meredith Burbidge Director, Leisure Client Engagement; Stephen Smith, SVP, Leisure Strategy & Marketing; Joelle Goldman, Vice President of Host Services & Luxury Hotel Programs; and Carol McLelan, Sr. Director, Leisure Strategy & Leads. (Photo Credit: Virtuoso)
Image: Celebrating at the Virtuoso Canada forum were members of Direct Travel’s Canadian management team including: Lara Lazare, Vice-President ITA and VIP Services/Les services Direct Travel; Meredith Burbidge Director, Leisure Client Engagement; Stephen Smith, SVP, Leisure Strategy & Marketing; Joelle Goldman, Vice President of Host Services & Luxury Hotel Programs; and Carol McLelan, Sr. Director, Leisure Strategy & Leads. (Photo Credit: Virtuoso)
Bruce Parkinson
by Bruce Parkinson
Last updated: 5:30 PM ET, Sun March 3, 2024

Direct Travel Canada took home multiple honours as luxury travel network Virtuoso announced its regional Virtuoso Awards at its Canada forum, held February 27-28 at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

The recognitions were given to Virtuoso members and partners that set the standard in their given category based on sales volume and engagement within the network. Virtuoso says the Direct Travel group was among its most esteemed travel agencies, advisors and preferred partners within Canada, winning the following awards:

Top Producer in the Cruise, Tour and On-Site category: this honours a Virtuoso member and partner with the highest overall network sales in a respective category.

Most Engaged: an award recognizing a member and a partner with the highest engagement and collaboration, one of Virtuoso’s core values, within the network in Canada.

“We are so honoured to receive these awards,” said Julie Skinner, VP Leisure, Canada for Direct Travel. “It is a recognition of the incredible travel advisors that we have across Canada.”

Member and partner awards were announced at an elegant dinner and awards gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

“We are delighted to be acknowledged as leaders in the Virtuoso community,” added Stephen Smith, SVP Leisure Strategy and Marketing for Direct Travel. “These awards are a testament to the strength of the network. Our advisors put trust in our partners to fulfil their clients’ expectations, and they continually exceed those expectations. It’s a true partnership, and in our experience, a win-win situation.” 

Topics From This Article to Explore

Featured Video

Get To Know Us Better

Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!
Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!

Become A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
Japan in Bloom: Sell Spring 2027 Cruises with Confidence with HankyuMonday, July 27, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Spring is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan in Bloom: Sell Spring 2027 Cruises with Confidence with HankyuMonday, July 27, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Spring is one of the most sought-after times to visit Japan, making it the perfect opportunity to...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...