Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
  • News
  • Packaged Travel
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • Training & Resources

Direct Travel Advisors Named Cruise Icons by Virtuoso

by Marsha Mowers  February 26, 2025
Virtuoso

Virtuoso

10 Canadian travel advisors from Direct Travel have been named “Virtuoso Cruise Icons,” the company has announced. Only 1 percent of Virtuoso advisors are named Cruise Icons.

Overall, 17 of Direct Travel Advisors across North America received the global recognition as top performers, which translates into exclusive opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals; and priority access to training, events and resources.

“To have such a large number of our advisors named to the list is a tribute to their fluency in luxury travel and impressive expertise in providing the high-end traveller with rich experiences,” said Stephen Smith, senior vice president – leisure strategy & marketing in a statement. Smith was also recently elected to Virtuoso’s Global Member Advisory Board.

Smith also reports that Direct Travel was recently named Top Cruise Producer at Virtuoso’s U.S. forum.. “It’s clear that cruising is enjoying a huge surge of popularity, and we are very proud to deliver the counselling and expertise our clients value.”

Celebrating her fifth consecutive year as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon, Sandra Keeso-Hall of Direct Travel’s Georgetown, Ont., office is thrilled with the award.

 “A huge thank you to my incredible clients and valued Virtuoso partners.  Here’s to another year of unforgettable luxury travel!”

Toronto-based Direct Travel advisor Gerry Koolhof is celebrating his second consecutive year as a Cruise Icon and reports that he’s truly humbled to receive the recognition.

“I am honoured to be part of our amazing Virtuoso Team, creating life-time memories for my clients.”  

Other Canadian Cruise Icons are: Rose Coleman, Erika Gal, Sheila Gallant-Halloran, Shawn Kilner, Grace Markus, Magda Newman, Sue Pechtel, Alan Szeto and Barbara Trotter.

  
  
Related Articles
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Joins Virtuoso as Regional Partner
Global Leisure Travel Growth: Insights from the Virtuoso Symposium
Former Virtuoso Executive Una O’Leary Joins HBX Group’s The Luxurist
Technology and Human Connection Take Centre Stage at Virtuoso 2026 Symposium
Virtuoso Names Brad Bourland, President and Tristan Dowell, CCO
On International Women’s Day TMR Canada Looks Back at the Travel Women We Love
Direct Travel Launches Altitude, A Luxury Hosted Advisor Network
Virtuoso Members and Partners Honoured with Regional Awards During its Canada Forum
2026 Luxe Report: Virtuoso Unveils Top Travel Trends
Virtuoso Appoints Alyssa Bushey SVP, Global Marketing

MOST VIEWED

  1. Hyatt Reveals Details of Two All-Inclusive Resorts Opening in 2026
  2. TTC Tour Brands Launches Tour Fest Advisor Incentive for 2026 Bookings
  3. ACTA “Deeply Concerned & Disappointed” by Air Canada Commission Cuts
  4. 100% Foreign Ownership: Cuba Hails “Bold New Era for Tourism” with Massive Market Reforms
  5. Interests Over Influencers: Study Says Social Trends Play Minor Role in Travel Decisions
  6. Rose Cosentino Named Head of Product Development at Air Canada Vacations


Top Stories
Travel Advisors React to Explore Worldwide’s Debut North American FAM to Morocco
Travel Advisors React to Explore Worldwide’s Debut North American FAM to Morocco

Earlier this summer, the adventure tour operator hosted its first North American FAM.

NCL’s Great Tides Waterpark Takes Great Stirrup Cay to a New Level
NCL’s Great Tides Waterpark Takes Great Stirrup Cay to a New Level

The six-acre waterpark gives advisors another experience to sell before their clients ever board the ship.

IATA Calls July Global Passenger Demand “A Mostly Positive Story”
IATA Calls July Global Passenger Demand “A Mostly Positive Story”

Traffic through Gulf hubs showed signs of recovery in July, but North American carriers saw a decrease in demand.

Boutique Jamaica Inn Announces 17% Commission for Advisors on Private Cottages
Boutique Jamaica Inn Announces 17% Commission for Advisors on Private Cottages

The incentive also includes premium guest benefits for families and couples celebrating milestones.

“It’s About Time”: EF World Journeys Is Developing an Advisor Program
“It’s About Time”: EF World Journeys Is Developing an Advisor Program

EF World Journeys CEO Heidi Durflinger spoke with TMR about the upcoming program.

Mount Etna Eruption Closes Catania Airport, Grounding Hundreds of Flights
Mount Etna Eruption Closes Catania Airport, Grounding Hundreds of Flights

The airport will remain closed until at least Friday morning.

TMR Subscription

Don’t miss out! Sign up for our free daily newsletter and get the latest Canadian travel industry news and event coverage delivered straight to your inbox. No spam — just what matters.

Subscribe to TMR

TMR OUTLOOKS, WHITE PAPERS & DESTINATION GUIDES
View All
Advertiser's Voice
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister on Tourism Investment, Canada’s Growing Importance and Cuba’s Recovery
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
Editor@travelmarketreport.ca
Give Us a Call
647 255 8990
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report Canada Inc.
3080 Yonge St. Suite 6060 Toronto, ON M4N 3N1
© 2005 - 2026 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences