Created by TravelPulse Canada in 2018, the Canadian Travel Hall of Fame brings long-overdue recognition to the visionary leaders of one of Canada's most important and vibrant industries.
The Hall of Fame honours individuals who have left a lasting legacy in the world of travel. Its founding marked the first time that Canadian travel entrepreneurs have received this kind of appreciation.
"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have contributed to the overall development of the travel industry as we know it today," said John Kirk, President and Editor in Chief, TravelPulse Canada. "We felt it was extremely important to create a place where we can highlight their contributions."
The Canadian Travel Hall of Fame was launched concurrently with the first TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards, which celebrate travel companies and personalities as voted on by thousands of Canadian travel professionals.
The inaugural 2018 Canadian Travel Hall of Fame inductees were: Vicky Borenstein, co-founder of The Last Minute Club; Patrick Brigham, founder, Sunquest Vacations; Jean Marc Eustache, founder of Transat; Colin Hunter, Chairman, Sunwing Travel Group; Angus J. Kinnear, charter airline pioneer; and Moise Levy, Founder, Softvoyage.
In 2019, the following industry leaders were inducted: WestJet founder Clive Beddoe; cruise and travel legend Vanessa Lee; Porter Airlines founder Robert Deluce; Transat co-founder Philippe Sureau; and Wardair founder Max Ward.
Like most of the world - and certainly most of the global travel industry - the Canadian Travel Hall of Fame took a pause on inducting new members in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. But as the industry sets off on a strong path of recovery, it's time to gather once again and celebrate our best.
Here are the 2022 Canadian Travel Hall of Fame inductees:
Calin Rovinescu - His distinguished career includes leading Air Canada through a period of unprecedented growth and success from 2009 to 2021.
Frank, Enzo & Joe Demarinis - These three brothers have had a huge impact on the Canadian outbound travel industry, first as founders of Belair Travel and later with Thomas Cook North America, RedTag.ca and TravelBrands.
Jill Wykes - A consummate communicator, Wykes started her career as a trade journalist covering the industry, then followed up with senior tour operator roles and service as Chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario. She continues in the industry as an independent communications consultant.
Bruce Hodge - In the early 1970s, Bruce Hodge traded in his banking career for the joys and uncertainties of the travel business. He founded Goway Travel, and more than 50 years later, the privately-owned company continues to grow and thrive.
Stephanie Anevich - She began her career as a travel agent in the early 1970s, becoming president of Rogers Travel Service in 1984. For the past 20+ years, Anevich has been an owner and senior executive with the Vision Travel group of companies.
In the coming weeks prior to the TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards set for May 19 at Toronto's Steamwhistle Brewery, we'll profile each of this year's new members with a story highlighting their achievements.
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