Alberta-Based Shelley’s Sun & Sand Travel Celebrates 10 Years

Shelley Cota, owner of Lacombe, Alberta-based Shelley’s Sun & Sand Travel, celebrated 10 years in business recently by hosting an evening at the Lacombe Memorial Centre.

Lacombe, located approximately 25 kilometres north of Red Deer, is home to just over 13,000 souls, so gathering over 100 guests, including clients, friends and industry partners, likely made of one of the big events of the day. 

“It was a wonderful chance to reconnect and reflect on the journey so far,” says Cota, a The Travel Agent Next Door member who has assembled an eight-strong team supporting her efforts to make Albertan travel dreams come true.

“We were especially grateful to have several of our supplier partners join us in person, including John Fallon from RIT, Kent Phillips from HX Expeditions, Ana Santa Maria from G Adventures, Leslie Schaff from Globus Family of Brands, Suzanne Morgan from Air Canada Vacations, Teresa Villanueva from Sandals/Beaches, and Jason V. Gignac from Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

That turnout of suppliers gives you an idea of the quality of agency run by Cota – and the amount of sales it delivers. She has won many awards at TTAND conferences and is clearly a favourite among her peers judging by the loud applause when she is called to the stage to accept an honour.

“The evening was filled with good conversation, cake, champagne, and lots of appreciation for the people who’ve supported us over the past decade. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and are looking forward to what’s next,” Cota said.