Independents Days: 350 The Travel Agent Next Door Members & Suppliers Gather in Mexico

More than 350 Canadian travel professionals – advisors and suppliers alike — have gathered at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, for the annual The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) conference.

It’s the biggest Canadian home-based travel advisor event outside of Canada, but then it has been for several years running, as TTAND has grown exponentially to more than 1,400 primary and associate members. The growth was evident by the dozens of hands raised when attendees were asked who among them was a first-time conference-goer.

TTAND was founded in 2014 by three long-time Canadian industry professionals — Flemming Friisdahl, a former executive at a prominent tour operator, Penny Martin, hailing from another successful host agency, and Rhonda Stanley, with extensive experience in retail travel management. The trio recognized the untapped potential of independent travel agents in a fast-changing industry.

The theme of the 2025 conference is ‘Leading the Way,’ which is also the new tagline for the company.

“Conference is important,” said Friisdahl, founder and CEO. “It’s a chance to meet like-minded people and reunite with colleagues. It’s an opportunity to build relationships with suppliers. And it’s a place to learn from each other, because we are not competitors. We’re better together than we are individually.”

Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is the key sponsor for the event, and more than 40 other suppliers are in attendance to network and present their products.

TTAND’s supplier awards were presented during the conference opening session Saturday. These were voted on by hundreds of TTAND advisors across the country. 

ACV was the big winner with three awards – Most Supportive Supplier Partner, Most Supportive BDM Team and Best Overall Preferred Supplier Partner. Other award recipients included G Adventures, Celebrity Cruises, AmaWaterways, HX, Exotik Tours, World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Virgin Voyages, Sunwing and Project Expedition.

During his opening presentation, Friisdahl pointed out that monthly fees have not increased during the 11 years the company has been in business. “I continue to reinvest in you so your job gets easier, and you can make more money and work less.” 

From the outset, TTAND has espoused a ‘win-win-win’ philosophy. In order to achieve success, the three major stakeholders – agent partners, supplier partners and the company itself – must see benefits. Support for agents is critical, and TTAND staff has grown in tandem with its membership. There are now more than 70 support team members in Canada and, uniquely, in India.

Friisdahl is a charismatic leader who takes a hands-on approach that resonates with TTAND members. He makes an introductory call to every new primary agent member, and TTAND advisors know that if they run into a particularly challenging situation, Friisdahl will have their back.

“Every single email I answer, every question you send. I’m here to support. My job is to do that.”

During the opening session Friisdahl announced a few developments, including an agreement with Flex Pay by Upgrade, enabling TTAND clients to pay for their travel over time. 

He also announced that April 22 will market the launch of the TTAND Itinerary Builder, which will mimic popular for-pay products, but will be included in monthly fees. Later in the year, a new member hub for all things TTAND will be launched.

Friisdahl also announced that sister companies A&K and Crystal will be added to the TTAND lineup of preferred suppliers as of May 1, adding to the host agency’s luxury product offering.

After an introductory cocktail reception on arrival day Friday, Saturday marked the first full day of conference. After its trio of wins in the supplier awards, a memorable day for Air Canada Vacations culminated with a dinner on the beach celebrating the tour operator’s 50^th anniversary.

Attendees were asked to dress in ‘red resort chic’ in honour of ACV, and the result was a sea of red-clad conference-goers seated at tables with soft white sand under their feet.

Stay tuned for more coverage from the TTAND conference, including an interview with Flemming Friisdahl, some solid advice on accessing the luxury market, and more.