Industry legends honoured, winners crowned, and a night of celebration lit up the Four Seasons Toronto!
The stars of the Canadian travel industry were shining bright last night as TravelPulse Canada hosted its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
The annual gala brought together the country's top travel professionals to recognize the industry’s best across 53 competitive categories, as voted by Canadian travel advisors.
The elegant event also marked a rare and celebratory occasion: The full TravelPulse Canada editorial team gathered in person from across the country, uniting to honour the exceptional service and leadership driving the travel industry.
The TravelPulse Canada editorial team: Jen Mallia, Natasha Lair-McKenty, Ken Shapiro and Bert Archer (Photo Credit: A. McKenty)
The inductions into the prestigious Canadian Travel Hall of Fame were among the evening's highlights
This year, two industry legends—Mike Foster, retired president of Nexion Canada, and Denise Heffron, managing director, commercial for Upgrade—were honoured for their enduring impact and contributions to Canada's travel landscape.
Hall of Fame recipient, Mike Foster, retired president of Nexion Canada (Photo Credit: Jason Lee)
Two leaders were also named Canadian Travel Executives of the Year:
“The TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards are a celebration of the heart and hustle that drive our industry,” said Natasha Lair-McKenty, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada.
Flemming Friisdahl, founder & CEO of The Travel Agent Next Door, was recognized for his leadership within the advisor community.
Andrew Dawson, president of Sunwing Vacations Group, received the supplier honour for his commitment to innovation and growth.
“The TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards are a celebration of the heart and hustle that drive our industry,” said Natasha Lair-McKenty, Managing Editor of TravelPulse Canada.
“These honours reflect more than performance—they celebrate our industry's passion, connection, and unwavering commitment.
(Photo Credit: Bert Archer)
"This year’s winners have raised the bar and set the standard for enhancing the travel experience. We are proud to recognize the very best of the best—leaders who continue to shape and inspire the future of travel.”
The awards ceremony was a testament to the resilience and dedication that continue to define the Canadian travel industry. Advisors, suppliers, tourism boards, and media mingled in celebration, forging new connections and looking ahead to a bright future.
TravelPulse Canada 2025 Readers' Choice Awards (Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)
2025 TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards Winners
Cruise Lines
- Large Ship (Over 1,000): Royal Caribbean International
- Small Ship (Under 1,000): Viking
- Expedition: HX Expeditions
- Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Groups: Celebrity Cruises
- Families: Disney Cruise Line
- Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for Canadian Sailing: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Small-Ship Cruise Line for Canadian Sailing: Oceania Cruises
River Cruises
- River Cruise Line of the Year: AmaWaterways
- Cuisine: AmaWaterways
- Groups: AmaWaterways
Rail
- Vacation Provider of the Year: Rocky Mountaineer
Airlines
- Canadian Airline of the Year: Air Canada
- Airline Vacation Brand of the Year: Air Canada Vacations
- Best International Airline: Emirates
Car Rentals
- Car Rental Company of the Year: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Hotels & Resorts
- All-Inclusive Hotel/Resort Chain of the Year: Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
- Best Chain for Domestic Travel: Marriott International
- Best Chain for Luxury Travel: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
- Best All-Inclusive Brand for Romance – Mexico: Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
- Best All-Inclusive Brand for Romance – Caribbean: Sandals Resorts
- Best Hotel Brand – Hawaii: Marriott International
- Best Hotel Brand for Families – Mexico: Dreams Resorts & Spas
- Best Hotel Brand for Families – Caribbean: Beaches Resorts
Tour Operators
- Escorted: G Adventures
- Packaged: Air Canada Vacations
- Adventure: G Adventures
- Caribbean: Air Canada Vacations
- Mexico: Transat Tours
- Europe: Globus
- Asia/Australia/South Pacific: Goway Travel
Villa Rentals
- Company of the Year: Villas of Distinction
Destinations
- Domestic: Banff/Lake Louise
- Mexico: Los Cabos
- Caribbean: Jamaica
- Europe: Portugal
- USA: Hawaii
South Pacific: Australia
2025 TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards (Photo Credit: Jason Lee)
Tourism Boards
- Domestic: Destination Toronto
- Mexico: Los Cabos Tourism Board
- Caribbean: Jamaica Tourist Board
- Europe: Visit Portugal
- Asia/Pacific: Tourism Australia
Other Categories
- Travel Technology Platform of the Year: Softvoyage
- Theme Park/Attraction of the Year: Walt Disney World Resort
- Travel Insurance Provider of the Year: Manulife
Hotels & Resorts Sales Rep of the Year: Brian Joseph, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection (Photo Credit: Jason Lee)
Sales Reps of the Year
- Cruise: Mathieu Robert, Celebrity Cruises
- River Cruise: Neil Dudley, AmaWaterways
- Air: Grant Lawlor, Air Canada
- Escorted Tour: Nuppy Mistry, G Adventures
- Packaged Tour: Lorraine Brisbois, Sunwing Vacations
- Hotels & Resorts: Brian Joseph, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection
See You Next Year
As the curtain closes on an unforgettable night, TravelPulse Canada extends heartfelt thanks to all who made the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards a huge success.
We’re already looking ahead to next year’s celebration of excellence in travel—venue and date to be announced.
Until then, keep raising the bar! We can’t wait to celebrate with you again in 2026!
Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of Travel
Want more insider access to Canada’s travel industry movers and shakers?
Follow TravelPulse Canada on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for breaking news, trends, and highlights from across the country and around the globe.
For media inquiries, story ideas, or to connect with our editorial team, contact Managing Editor Natasha Lair-McKenty at [email protected].
Topics From This Article to Explore
