Vancouver Island’s AR Travel Collective Celebrates Launch at Sold-Out Event
by Bruce Parkinson
Amanda Rauh (third from left) addresses the crowd at the launch of her AR Travel Collective.
Amanda Rauh and her team from AR Travel Collective held an officials launch party this week, at a sold-out event in Lantzville, just north of Nanaimo.
The unique venue was a greenhouse at Superior Farms. Rauh says the setting was transformed into a beautiful space with the Bridgerton soundtrack adding background ambience.
‘Nibbles and sips’ included charcuterie platters and sweets, while a custom drink menu featured Rauh’s favourite passion fruit margaritas and special rum punch.
“A highlight was introducing the team and the fact that our little group did $1.1 million in sales in our first three months of business,” Rauh said.
The AR Travel Collective currently consists of Rauh, Chris Benesch, Naomi Selvaraja, Erin Dirnback, Arianna Watkins, Michele Gramm and Heather Lavender.
Rauh told Travel Market Report Canada that “14 amazing suppliers” were in attendance, including:
- Oceania – Kim Tobias
- HAL – Fiona Schonewille
- Hyatt Inclusive Collection – Freddie Marsh
- EL Cid Resorts – Dave Emery
- Sandals & Beaches – Winston Chang
- CIE Tours – Jennifer Bond
- Trafalgar- Nicole Davey
- Rocky Mountaineer – Ben Lang
- Air New Zealand – Katie Olson
- G Adventures- Jenna English
- Goway – Jason Stratford
- ACV – Rose Siu
- Travelbrands – Janita Hubbard
- Virgin Voyages – Ivan Mansanet
Fatima da Silva from AmaWaterways was unable to attend, but the company supplied a free river cruise for two to give away.
“It was an amazing night,” said Rauh. “I am a detail person…..even the airplane balloons had our logo on it!”
