And the Winners Are In at TravelOnly’s TADA Awards Event

The TravelOnly TADA Awards kicked off in the Chalet Restaurant at Club Med Charlevoix. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the surrounding mountains, just beginning their transformation with autumn colours along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. It was a fitting backdrop for the evening, as both nature and the travel industry remind us that change is inevitable.

“The travel agent of today is not the travel agent of yesterday,” said Greg Luciani, CEO of TravelOnly, as he opened the celebration. Change and adaptation, he noted, are at the core of the profession — and TravelOnly is investing heavily in supporting its advisors. From new technologies like Lead Hive to enhanced marketing tools and professional development, the company is committed to helping its advisors thrive in an evolving industry.

The numbers seem to back that up. “We are up over 20% from last year,” Luciani stated earlier in the day.

Honouring a Legacy

One of the most meaningful awards of the night came first. Taking the stage, Anne Luciani, Owner and CFO of TravelOnly, presented the Patrick Luciani Memorial Award, saying: “The memorial award in Patrick’s name recognizes an individual who, like him, embraced life without prejudice, welcomed people as they are, and fostered an environment of inclusivity and respect. It is a tribute to his legacy of compassion, humanity, and love for people.”

This year, the honour was awarded to Bujar Zejnullahu and Dashnor Hasku of CanKos Travel (Mississauga).

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Patrick Luciani Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Zejnullahu. “This recognition is very meaningful as it reflects not only my personal journey, but also the support, collaboration, and inspiration I’ve been fortunate to share throughout my career.”

And Zejnullahu continued: “Patrick Luciani has been a mentor and a true inspiration—he was the reason my business partner Dash and I entered this industry. This award is both a celebration of the past and a motivation to continue contributing to the growth and strength of our community.”

The recognition didn’t stop there. CanKos Travel was also celebrated as Top Selling Agency for TravelBrands, ranked #4 network-wide in revenue, and was inducted into the President’s Club.

Supplier & Advisor Achievements

Next, 22 supplier partners announced their top three advisors by sales, with prizes awarded throughout the evening.

One standout was Carina Shortliffe of I Do Dream Destinations (Halifax), who earned three top honours for highest sales with Hyatt Inclusive, Sunwing, and Air Canada Vacations.

Suppliers themselves were recognized for their contributions to the TravelOnly network, with awards including:

• Top Preferred Supplier – Cruise 2024 – Princess Cruise Lines
• Top Preferred Tour Operator 2024 –  Air Canada Vacations
• Breakout Partner of the Year 2024  – Riviera Travel
• Most Engaged Partner of the Year 2024 – Manulife
• Most Supportive BDM 2024 – Nate Allen – RCI
• Top Preferred Supplier Award in River Cruise 2024 – AmaWaterways
• Personality of the Year 2024 – Bryan Joseph – World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection
• Top Overall Preferred Partner – Air Canada Vacations

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Some of the evening’s most coveted awards were those voted on by peers, including:

• Personality of the Year : Daniel (Danny) Slupeiks
  
• TravelOnly MVP: Holly Slater
  
• Top All Star 2024: Joanne Saab
  
• Top Rising Star 2024:  Carole Roy

Consistent Excellence

While the conference theme highlighted the importance of embracing change, some things remain constant. Once again, Pat Probert & Mary De Almeida of Bob’s Family Travel were recognized as the highest-selling advisors network-wide.

“I feel like I’ve been here before,” remarked Shannon Smith, Sr. VP of Sales, Marketing & Operations, as she announced the winners.

A Night to Remember

The evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and connections—old and new. Guests enjoyed family-style service featuring Quebec culinary classics, while Club Med rose to the occasion of hosting a room full of seasoned travel professionals.

As the night drew to a close, random prize giveaways — including supplier gift cards—ensured that everyone shared in the excitement. After a few closing words, the celebration carried on at Bar Le Météore, where the celebrations continued.