Air Canada Vacations Draws 1,500 to ‘The Greatest Celebration’
by Bruce Parkinson
A massive crowd gathered for the ACV winter launch in Vaughan, Ontario.
It was billed as ‘The Greatest Celebration,’ and with 1,500 travel advisors and over 100 suppliers on hand for the 2025-2026 Air Canada Vacations winter product launch at the Universal Events Space in Vaughan, Ontario, it was tough to argue.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Air Canada Vacations staff and supplier partners travelled across the country hosting similar events, with each attracting a strong crowd of energized travel professionals. The event north of Toronto wrapped up the cross-country series.
The evening offered attendees a first look at ACV’s lineup of new winter getaways, upgraded amenities, and innovative travel experiences coming this season.
The more than 100 suppliers engaged with advisors at trade show booths, and the aisles were packed from start to finish. Spirits were high, as advisors celebrated a strong year and looked forward to a busy winter.
The five-decade legacy of Air Canada Vacations was celebrated through a stage display of its brochure covers from across the years.
ACV Vice President Nino Montagnese addressed the crowd with passion, highlighting an expanded portfolio of 64 destinations across the globe. New horizons for winter 2025/2026 include Cartagena (Colombia), Miches (Dominican Republic), Palm Springs and Napa Valley (California), and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
As Canadians seek new winter getaway destinations, ACV announced enhanced long stay packages in Spain, Portugal, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The company is also introducing new digital tools aimed at improving the booking experience. The 2025/2026 Digital Sun Brochure marks its fourth consecutive year, offering an easy-to-navigate online brochure featuring over 620 hotels, including 42 brand-new Sun properties and 32 new U.S. additions.
Air Canada Vacations continues to roll out enhanced self-serve tools, allowing customers to manage their bookings with more flexibility, in areas such as seat selection, special requests, and Aeroplan number updates.
In addition to new destinations, ACV is offering expanded cruise options, with the notable addition of hugely popular Virgin Voyages itineraries and the addition of CroisiEurope river cruises.
There’s more: ACV is broadening its offerings with rail journeys and RV adventures. Niche experiences include things like the Chill Out Event, Fitness Retreat, Wellness at Sea, and Judy’s Kitchen Party, aimed at those seeking a focus on relaxation, wellness, or culinary exploration.
Looking ahead, ACV is introducing a new groups loyalty program, expanded GQT platform features, and exclusive FAM trips for advisors. Additionally, the revamped CareFlex and CareFree programs, launching in November, are designed to offer more flexibility and peace of mind to travellers booking vacations through Air Canada.
