Tisson Travel Group: How One Agency Founder Is Redefining Women’s Entrepreneurship in Travel

In an industry powered overwhelmingly by women, true spaces of mentorship, collaboration, and belonging can still be surprisingly rare. That gap is exactly what inspired Tannis Dyrland, the founder of Calgary based Tisson Travel Group to build something different two years ago: a community-first agency model where female travel entrepreneurs don’t just work independently; they rise together.

Last week, Travel Market Report Canada had the opportunity to spend time with the Tisson Travel Group at Hyatt Inclusive Collection’s Dreams Natura Resort and Spa in Cancun, where the group was holding their second annual Christmas celebration.  The trip was made possible with the support of WestJet Vacations and TRAVELSAVERS and showcased new properties like the just-opened Secrets Mirabel Cancun and the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, which opened last October.

Dyrland told us that from the beginning, she envisioned a company where women could run their own businesses while feeling deeply connected to a greater whole.

“These women are all independent. They each run their own business,” she explains. “But they’re also a family. They work together so closely, even when they’re not in the same room. It’s Zoom calls, phone calls, texts. Tisson is my way of getting them together in person as often as possible, because the energy they bring to each other is incredible.”

That energy, she says, is the foundation of the agency’s famously close-knit culture. No cliques. No competition. Just genuine support.

“When we get the group together, the respect they have for each other is amazing. Coming together to celebrate everything they’ve accomplished, as a community, is so important. They truly love being together.”

For Dyrland, fostering this environment wasn’t an afterthought, it was the mission.

“When I created this company, I wanted a place where women entrepreneurs could feed off each other’s ideas, run their own businesses, but also feel part of something. And I wanted them to be proud of who they work with.”

She notes that pride isn’t talked about enough in the retail travel sector. “Agents don’t always feel proud of their parent company or host. That’s missing in our industry. But with Tisson, these women are proud to be part of this. They’re proud to be colleagues. That pride is powerful.”

And the support is real. During a recent trip, one advisor received word that her client, who was travelling, had been rushed into emergency surgery. Within minutes, the entire group mobilized, it was all hands-on deck to help.

“Yes, we’re here to enjoy the sun and the property. But that support never stops.”

Dyrland’s passion for education is central to everything she does. With a Bachelor of Education, years of teaching experience, and curriculum development at the university level, she is now bringing that expertise to the travel industry in a groundbreaking way.

She revealed to us that launching in Q1 of 2026, Tisson will debut the Tisson Luxe Program—a three-month, eight-module training experience designed specifically for women executives and entrepreneurs who want to build their own luxury travel business.

While many training programs focus on industry basics, this one fills the gap she sees most clearly: business competence.

“This isn’t advisor training. This isn’t airport codes or booking platforms. This is business training,” she says. “What does it mean to own a business in travel? How do you structure your finances? How do you sell? How do you communicate? Women deserve to enter this industry empowered—not confused about what comes next.”

The program blends online coursework with in-person learning and features partnerships with more than 15 luxury brands, from Fairmont to Marriott’s Luminous, Velas Resorts, Ritz Carlton, and more. “These women will leave fully ready to operate in the luxury space—whether they join Tisson or another agency. This is about creating capable, confident business owners.”

Despite Tisson’s rapid rise—hitting $1 million in sales in their first year and $3 million in their second year—the founder remains steadfast in her commitment to quality over quantity. Today, she leads a team of 12 high-performing advisors, all of whom treat their roles as careers, not hobbies.

“These are women who genuinely love the industry, who work hard, and who always seek to grow,” she says. “I’m not here to be the biggest. I’m here to be a strong force.”

Her leadership is rooted in mentorship—a role she believes anyone building a team must be prepared to take seriously, but also in experience. Dyrland’s also a former psychologist and uses those skills to lead successfully.

“You cannot run an agency like this unless you have the mentorship bug. You need to inspire, guide, and support. You’re their person. That’s the difference.”

And yes, even strong leaders experience self-doubt. “I have imposter syndrome all the time,” she admits. “But when I walk into a room full of like-minded women—women who are entrepreneurs, who are feeding off each other’s knowledge and connection—I remember why I’m here. I’ve been invited into that space for a reason.”

Beyond her internal community, she credits strong relationships with suppliers and consortia partners for helping Tisson thrive. “We are surrounded by industry partners who genuinely support us. That’s huge. So many advisors don’t even fully understand what their consortia does for them, and that’s part of our job as business owners, to educate.”

Last October, she launched the Tisson Business Day, bringing in experts from outside the travel world, including BMW Calgary’s sales manager and her long-time accountant, to teach advisors what many traditional programs overlook: how to run a profitable business. It will now be an annual event.

For women considering starting their own agencies, her advice is clear: don’t let the size of a team define success.

“Build yourself first. Then decide who earns a place in your company. Surround yourself with people you can mentor, support and champion.”

Dyrland’s building a business that functions like a sisterhood and a brand that’s built on shared pride.

And it’s only the beginning.