Vision Celebrates GEM Award Winners onboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2

Image: The trip was part of the celebration to recognize the group’s GEM (“Going the Extra Mile”) advisors from all five of the company’s regions across North America (Vision Travel)
Image: The trip was part of the celebration to recognize the group’s GEM (“Going the Extra Mile”) advisors from all five of the company’s regions across North America (Vision Travel)
by Marsha Mowers
Last updated: 6:40 AM ET, Wed November 16, 2022

25 advisors from all five of Direct Travel and its Canadian retail brand Vision Travel divisions, were celebrated for GEM ("Going the Extra Mile) with a sailing on board Cunard's elegant Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton followed by a few idyllic days in England.

The prestigious GEM awards recognize advisors from each of Direct/Vision's regions for top productivity in an array of sectors including strategic partner sales, air, and insurance. The 25 recipients were accompanied by six senior management Direct/Vision executives as well as representatives from eight strategic partners.

On arrival in England after the transatlantic sailing, the group enjoyed a day touring the English countryside with Abercrombie and Kent and two nights in one of the legendary Savoy and St. James Hotels in the heart of London.

The prestigious GEM awards recognize advisors from each of Direct/Vision's regions for top productivity in an array of sectors including strategic partner sales, air, and insurance. The 2022 GEMs were the seventh time the prize trips have been awarded; in past years winners sailed on an Azamara cruise from Rio to Buenos Aires and on an AmaWaterways European river cruise.

"The networking, the education, the enriching programs, the sharing of dreams and goals and bonded friendships were especially meaningful as we were all together in 'the same boat'," said Ancaster, Ont. based travel advisor Ineke Brinkman. "I have truly been inspired to continue to Go the Extra Mile."

Prize-winning agents assured the executives that they are already working towards being a part of the 2023 GEM Trip, the destination of which will be announced shortly.

"After two years when it was not possible or prudent to hold a GEM Trip celebrating our top advisors throughout North America, we were delighted to bring together this incredible group for such a remarkable experience," said Gerard Bellino, EVP leisure for Direct Travel/North America.

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