Celebrating Advisors: A Wrap-Up of Appreciation Day Offerings
by Marsha Mowers
Each May, Travel Agent Appreciation Day (May 6) provides a timely reminder of the critical role travel advisors play in Canada’s tourism industry. At a time when travellers are navigating tense geopolitical tensions and shifting entry requirements to worries about flight cancellations and increasing costs due to the ongoing fuel crisis, advisors remain a trusted source of expertise.
In celebration of travel advisors, here’s a wrap-up of what suppliers are doing to show their appreciation for the ones who make their wheels successfully turn.
WestJet Vacations
Throughout May, travel advisors are invited to take part in a digital treasure hunt hosted on the WestJet Vacations Travel Agent Portal. Each week, a new clue will be hidden within the platform, encouraging advisors to explore content and uncover the answer for a chance to win exciting prizes. With over 30 chances to win throughout the month, the program brings a fun and rewarding twist to Travel Agent Appreciation Month.
Weekly prizes include:
• 1 x $1,000 WestJet gift card
• 2 x $250 Canadian Tire gift cards
• 5 x $100 SkipTheDishes gift cards
• Resort stays for two
A brand-new clue will be released each week, giving advisors multiple opportunities to participate and win. For more information, travel advisors are encouraged to visit the WestJet Vacations Travel Agent Portal.
Sunwing Vacations
Throughout May, travel advisors can participate in short weekly quizzes based on Sunwing Vacations’ webinar series for a chance to win one of four weekly vacation stays, along with $4,000 in gift card prizes each week.
Week 1: May 1–7
A closer look at RIU Hotels & Resorts:
Prize: Stay at Riu Palace Bavaro
Gift cards: Sunwing, WestJet, Petro Canada
Week 2: May 8–14
EN: A closer look at Royalton
FR: A closer look at Eurostars Grand Cayacoa
Prize: Stay at Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay
Gift cards: Sunwing, WestJet, Petro Canada, Skip
Week 3: May 15–21
A closer look at NexusTours
Prize: Stay at The Buenaventura Golf and Beach Resort Panama
Gift cards: Sunwing, WestJet, Petro Canada, Skip
Week 4: May 22–28
A closer look at customizable group quotes
Prize: Stay at Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Gift cards: Sunwing, WestJet, Petro Canada, Skip
TravelBrands
Running throughout May 2026, TravelBrands has an engaging incentive structure that rewards agents for every booking made. For all eligible bookings, a spin will be awarded for a chance to win up to 10,000 Loyalty Rewards Points. For bookings made for departures between June 1 and July 31, 2026, 2X Loyalty Rewards Points will be earned.
In addition, Loyalty Plus and Loyalty Elite agents will have the opportunity to win one of two TravelBrands Future Travel Vouchers:
• Loyalty Plus Agents will be entered into a draw to win a $250 TravelBrands Future Travel Voucher*
• Loyalty Elite Agents will be entered into a draw to win a $500 TravelBrands Future Travel Voucher*
The campaign is applicable to TravelGenie Packages, Hotel-Only, Add-ons (Tours, Tickets, Transfers, and Shore Excursions), Sunquest Packages, Car Rentals, Encore Cruises, and Exotik Journeys.
To make qualifying bookings or learn more about this offer, including full terms and conditions, visit www.travelbrandsaccess.com
Fresh Tracks
From May 1–31, 2026, travel advisors who register for Fresh Tracks Canada’s Travel Advisor Resource Portal and make any new Canadian Train Vacation booking during the promotional period will receive a $100 gift card for themselves and a $100 gift card for their clients to use in destination. For Northern Lights or Polar Bears bookings, advisors will receive a $50 gift card for themselves and a $50 gift card for their clients.
Travel advisors can register for the Travel Advisor Resource Portal here.
Special Trip Draw: Each qualified booking also earns the travel advisor one entry into a special draw for a coveted spot on an upcoming Fresh Tracks Canada FAM, offering advisors the chance to experience one of our iconic Canadian travel experiences firsthand.
CIE Tours
From May 1 to May 31, 2026, the company is offering its advisors 30% off any guided tour for both agents and companions, alongside the chance to win a seven-day guided tour for two of their choice across CIE Tours’ portfolio of destinations.
CIE Tours is also giving one lucky travel advisor the chance to win a seven-day guided tour of their choice for two, with applicable destinations spanning Ireland, Britain, Iceland, and Italy in May via their The Travel Advisor Appreciation Month Grand Prize Giveaway Sweepstakes.
Finally, CIE Tours is offering its exclusive 30% travel advisor discount on guided vacations for them and a companion throughout the month of May. The discount is applicable across CIE Tours’ portfolio of guided tours to Ireland, Britain, Iceland, Italy, and Spain, giving advisors the opportunity to experience these destinations firsthand and come away better equipped to sell them with confidence.
To enter the Travel Advisor Appreciation Month Grand Prize Giveaway Sweepstakes and redeem the exclusive 30% advisor discount, travel advisors should visit the dedicated landing page to complete the sweepstakes entry form and access instructions to redeem their discount.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Partners First advisor program with a cruise vacation sweepstakes exclusively for travel advisors.
Beginning today, May 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026, NCL is giving away 15, seven-day cruises in a balcony stateroom for two. Winners will also have the opportunity to be featured in travel advisor appreciation initiatives throughout the year across a variety of marketing channels including the Company’s Partners First Facebook page.
To enter the sweepstakes, travel partners need to submit a testimonial sharing how NCL and Partners First have made selling cruises easier and more rewarding. Winning entries will be showcased across NCL’s channels, amplifying the voices of advisors and reinforcing the value of the long-term partnership.
For more information about the sweepstakes, Partners First, or to submit a testimonial, please visit trade.ncl.com.
Virgin Voyages
In their own words, Virgin Voyages is has turned Travel Agent Day into First Mate Appreciation Month to give partners more time to learn, more opportunities to earn, and more space to connect.
The centerpiece of the May-long tribute is VV Fest, an immersive series of webinars and interactive sessions designed to empower travel advisors (First Mates) with high-octane tools, insider knowledge, and exclusive rewards.
Those First Mate Appreciation Month & VV Fest Highlights include:
- The Red Hot Drop: 15-minute “lightning sessions” on the latest offers to help advisors turn fresh drops into quick wins.
- Seacademy Gold Tier Blitz: A high-speed, three-hour certification marathon. Completion unlocks elite benefits, including bonus commissions, First Mate rates, and Sailor Loot.
- The Soundtrack of VV: An exploration of the brand’s musical heartbeat and how to use the “onboard vibe” as a powerful sales tool.
- Shaken, Not Sailored: A deep dive into VV’s beverage philosophy, focusing on how elevated cocktail culture drives Sailor satisfaction.
- Sea Change with Sarah: Clear, confident talking points regarding Virgin Voyages’ sustainability efforts and commitment to the ocean.
- The Red Table Talk: A “no-judgment” zone where advisors can engage in “real talk” directly with the Directors of Sales to tackle hurdles and build booking confidence.
For more information on First Mate Appreciation and VV Fest, advisors should visit www.FirstMates.com, and the webinar section.
RIT Vacations
RIT Vacations is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the company says it is proud to recognize the travel agent community that has been instrumental to its success. In honour of this milestone and in celebration of Travel Agent Day on May 6, RIT is launching a special Travel Agent Appreciation campaign throughout May, featuring exclusive rewards and a chance to win a spot on a FAM to Ireland in February 2027.
“As we celebrate 25 years of RIT, we’re reminded that our success has always been built on the trust, passion, and dedication of our travel agent partners,” said Jonathan Sargeant, Director of Sales. “Their support is at the heart of everything we do, and this campaign is a small way to say thank you.”
Celebration Details:
$25 Gift Card Bonus
As a token of appreciation, every booking made between May 6–13, 2026 will automatically qualify for a $25 gift card. No registration or additional steps are required. Eligible participants will receive their gift cards in June.
Grand Prize: 2027 FAM Trip to Ireland
Make any booking between May 1–31, 2026, and you’ll be entered into a grand prize draw for a spot on RIT Vacations’ exclusive 2027 February Ireland FAM trip (Feb 16-22). For more information or to apply for the FA
