Meet the 9 first time favourites of the Agents’ Choice Awards Gala

First-timers were one of the big stories in the 2025 Agents’ Choice Readership Survey, with nine companies taking top honours in the Airlines, Cruise Lines, Hotels and Tour Operators categories..

There was one first-time Airline favourite; three first-time Cruise Lines favourites; two first-time Hotels favourites; and three first-time Tour Operator favourites.

Airlines

In the Airlines section of the survey, Turkish Airlines was the favourite of Canadian travel advisors in the newly introduced Airline – Stopover Program category.

Cruise lines

In the Cruise Lines section, there were three first time favourites.

Favourite Cruise Line – Culinary Experience was a new category in 2025, and Oceania Cruises sailed into top spot.

“As the cruise line created for foodies, by foodies, winning the Culinary Experience award means the world to the entire team at Oceania Cruises. When we launched more than 20 years ago we put food at the heart of everything we do, and this remains the case to this day – from building our ships literally around the expansive galleys, to launching the first-ever hands on cooking school at sea onboard Oceania Marina, to our signature chef-led tours and enrichment program, to designing new foodie experiences for our new generation ships, the Sonata-class, the first of which launches in 2027,” said Emily Loewy, senior director, sales channel strategy and marketing, Oceania Cruises. “Plus, soon we will introducing Oceania Allura to our guests and valued travel partners when she joins the fleet in July, complete with new culinary venues and exciting new menus. Thank you to all our valued travel partners across Canada who voted for Oceania Cruises, for your continued support, and especially with our Canadian Dollars at Par Program. Your partnerships mean everything to us.”

Another new category in 2025, was Cruise Line – Luxury with Azamara Cruises earning top spot; and joining the growing list of first-time favourites in this year’s survey.

“We are incredibly honoured to be named a favourite by more than 7,000 travel advisors across the country. This recognition means the world to us because it comes directly from the community we value so deeply. Travel advisors are at the heart of our success—they’re the storytellers, matchmakers, and trusted guides who bring the Azamara experience to life for their clients,” said Michelle Lardizabal, Chief Sales Officer, North America. “To be chosen by them is not just an award; it’s a reflection of the trust we’ve built together and the shared passion we have for delivering unforgettable experiences. We’re grateful for your support, and we remain dedicated to earning it every day.”

HX Expeditions, the third first-time favourite in the Cruise Lines section) topped the list as Canadian travel advisors selected it as their favourite in the renamed Cruise Line – Expedition. (In previous surveys this category was called Cruise Line – Small Expedition).

“We’re honoured to be named the Favourite in the new Expedition category — and especially proud that this recognition comes directly from travel advisors. Demand for expedition cruising continues to outpace the broader cruise market, and our trade partners have been central to that growth,” says Carla Brake, senior sales director, Americas, HX Expeditions. “This award validates the investments we’ve made to support the trade community — from tailored selling tools to dedicated resources — and reinforces the trust we’ve built together.”

“Our trade partners are at the heart of our success. Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to develop tools and support that demonstrate our long-term commitment to advisors,” Brake continued. “We’ve focused on delivering solutions that help them inspire their clients and drive mutual growth. We look forward to deepening that collaboration and continuing to understand and meet their unique needs as we strengthen our leadership in the expedition cruise market.”

Hotels

Checking in on the results in the Hotel Brands section of the survey, there are two companies celebrating as first-time favourites in 2025.

In the Hotel Brand – All-Inclusive Mexico category, the Hyatt Inclusive Collection was also the new favourite in this category, as well as being a first-time favourite.

“This recognition reflects what we’re most passionate about: being the best all-inclusive organization and creating memorable experiences across our distinct all-inclusive brands,” said Carolina Bellina, senior director of Canadian sales, Hyatt Inclusive Collection. “That passion comes through in everything our resorts do, and exceptional dining is a cornerstone of our offering. We’re grateful to our valued Canadian travel advisors for their continued belief in what we do, and we’re excited to keep elevating.”

In the Hotel Brand – Luxury category, Four Seasons was a new favourite as well as a first-time favourite in this category.

Tour operators

There was a trio of both first-time and new favourites in the Tour Operators section of the 2025 survey.

Enterprise took the honour as the new favourite in the Favourite Car Rental category.

“Thank you to the travel agent community cross Canada for trusting us with your clients,” said Daryl Stockman, Sales Manager – Canada, Travel Agency Sales. “We will continue working hard to be your favourite car rental company in Canada for years to come.”

Globus Family of Brands was both the first-time and new Favourite in the Tour Operator – Escorted/Guided category in 2025.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have received this award. Being named the “Favourite Escorted and Guided Tours” by more than 7,700 travel advisors across the country is an extraordinary honour for the Globus family of Brands. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the travel professionals who know the industry inside and out,” said Denise Harper, Managing Director, Sales, Canada. “These advisors work with countless travellers and tour companies every day, and their vote of confidence speaks volumes about the trust they place in us to consistently deliver exceptional experiences. Their endorsement validates our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction—and reinforces the powerful relationships we’ve built with our advisor partners across the country.”

And in a new category added to this year’s survey, Collette made its debut as the favourite of Canadian travel advisors in the Tour Operator – Small Groups category.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!