Vacation.com officials gathered in Toronto Thursday to update travel industry media on all things Vacation.com. The travel marketing organization had a strong year in Canada, adding 84 new member agencies, bringing the total to 530. Vacation.com president John Lovell (far right) said that while several events are impacting the industry, including high fuel prices, Middle East tensions and the economic situation in Europe, they are approaching 2012 with “guarded optimism” and noted that North American travel professionals are well positioned for the year ahead. The tourism executive said the cruise industry — and especially the river cruise market — is showing particular promise and strong numbers out of Canada. Lovell noted that destinations on the rebound include Mexico and Hawaii, and the Caribbean in general, but especially Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Vacation.com’s annual conference is being held in May aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. This year’s theme is “Think Big.” Pictured with Lovell are (l-r) Stephen McGillivray, chief marketing officer, Travel Leaders Group (Vacation.com parent company), Tiffany Glass, VP, E-Commerce and Technology, Vacation.com, and Christine James, VP Canada, Vacation.com.