Canadian Agents Win Big At Karisma’s GIVC Awards
Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ 11th annual Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant Sales & Marketing Forum wrapped up on Friday night (Dec. 7) with an awards gala honouring top producing travel professionals.
A group of 41 Canadian agents were on location at the El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya to take part in three fun-filled days of learning, networking, and themed parties.
Although the Canadian contingency was smaller, they still took home some big honours during the awards, which also featured a diamond giveaway and US$250,000 in cash prizes.
Here are some of the notable agents who were recognized:
Mandy Delve of Beyond Travel Designers was recognized in the Top Growth By Region category for Central Canada. She also earned Diamond Level 4 status, and is a Top Producer for Azul Beach Resorts and a Top Wedding Producer for Azul Beach Resorts.
Martine Phaneuf, Propriétaire CWT – Vacances Le Faubourg, received the Top Growth By Region award for Eastern Canada, as well as Diamond Level 4 status and a cash prize.
For Western Canada, the Top Growth By Region award went to Elicia Jump of Uniglobe Vision.
Kim Crosby of SunLovers Travel was named the top selling homebased agent in Canada. The multiple award-winner also earned a nod as a Top Producer for El Dorado Spa Resorts, a Top Wedding Producer for El Dorado Spa Resorts, Diamond Level 5 status and a cash giveaway.
Kim Crosby of SunLovers Travel with Mandy Chomat, chief marketing & sales officer for Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Cindy Almond of Romance & Foodie Travel earned Diamond Level 4 status, plus was a Top Producer for Azul Beach Resorts.
Flight Centre Canada’s Carolyn Menard was recognized as the top selling storefront agent in Canada, and Brittney Struck of Flight Centre Weddings and Honeymoons was awarded as a top selling wedding producer for Azul Resorts.
Renee Carlin of Marlin Travel and Jackie Niven of Transat Travel were both top producers for Nickelodean Hotels & Resorts.
Two Canadian agents also made it into the Elite category, which honours those who sell over 2,000 room nights in one year: Pamela Walker (not in attendance) of Escapes.ca, who was also a Top Wedding Producer for Azul Beach Resorts, and Sandra Lombardi of Red Label Vacations.
The owners of El Dorado Spa Resorts, Generations Resorts, and Hidden Beach Resort by Karisma, Sr. Martinez and Sra. Dolores, were also recognized with a commemoration celebration during the festivities featuring photos and videos agents had collected over the years of working with the couple.
“Please always remember Mexico,” said Sr. Martinez as he addressed the crowd, encouraging agents to continue selling the destination. “Mexico loves you.”
Karisma executives also announced that the 12th annual GIVC Sales & Marketing Forum taking place next year will again feature a diamond giveaway and cash prizes.
“In addition to the recognition, Sr. Martinez gives away $250,000 of his own money,” Kelly Poling, senior vice-president of marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, told PressToday. “This cash prize and diamond giveaway is one of the many ways we are committed to showing our appreciation for the travel agent community.”
Pictured (top) at the awards gala are: Martine Phaneuf, Propriétaire CWT – Vacances Le Faubourg; Deanna Kawecki, Romance & Foodie Travel; Cindy Almond, Romance & Foodie Travel; and Brian Bobroff, Flight Centre Independent, who earned Diamond Level One.
