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
Direct Travel Kicks Off “Direct Access” in Toronto, Luxury Sales Surge
Direct Travel Partners with The Intrepid Foundation for Grassroots Giving
Annual Virtuoso Awards Gala Celebrates Best in Luxury Travel
Virtuoso Names Anguilla as Top Caribbean Destination for Holiday Season Travel
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
Top Stories
VIDEO: Beverly Cheng on Canada’s Big Moment at Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
VIDEO: Beverly Cheng on Canada’s Big Moment at Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Canada is getting a prominent seat at the table at this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. TMR Canada’s John Kirk caught up with HKTB Canada Director Beverly Cheng to discuss what the event offers Canadian travellers and advisors.

Michael Pihach Appointed as VP & Editor-in-Chief of Travel Market Report Canada
Michael Pihach Appointed as VP & Editor-in-Chief of Travel Market Report Canada

The news marks the next stage in Travel Market Report’s ambitious Canadian investment, driven by the success of the Travel Market Place educational conferences.

Why Texas Is Built for Repeat Business
Why Texas Is Built for Repeat Business

Texas is a destination with enormous diversity, from urban centres to dude ranches, Gulf Coast beaches to spectacular wilderness.

JAPEX Returns to Ocho Rios as Jamaica Reaches for 500,000 Canadian Visitor Goal
JAPEX Returns to Ocho Rios as Jamaica Reaches for 500,000 Canadian Visitor Goal

The island is preparing for an influx of Canadians this winter, with significant additional lift.

Deana Murphy to Retire From Sunwing Vacations Group After Stellar 40-Year Travel Career
Deana Murphy to Retire From Sunwing Vacations Group After Stellar 40-Year Travel Career

Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for travel advisors and has developed longstanding relationships with agency partners and industry colleagues.

VIDEO: GX 2026 Cambodia – Bruce Poon Tip on Tourism’s Power on World Tourism Day
VIDEO: GX 2026 Cambodia – Bruce Poon Tip on Tourism’s Power on World Tourism Day

GX 2026 brought G Adventures and the global travel community to Cambodia for a celebration of community tourism. TMR Canada sat down with founder Bruce Poon Tip to talk Cambodia, World Tourism Day, GX 2027 in Brazil and what comes next.

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
VIDEO Talking Cruise: MSC’s Ian Patterson on La Romana, Fly & Cruise, and What’s Ahead
About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team 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