Spread the love

Famous for its welcoming hospitality, Destination Canada lived up to its reputation, hosting an exclusive VIP famil for key Australian travel industry partners at the end of September. The enviable itinerary featured luxury wilderness lodge, Sonora Resort, as well as urban adventures in Vancouver and experiences in Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

The group stayed at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre during their time in the city, experiencing forest bathing in North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, Stanley Park, Granville Island, a cultural canoe tour with Takaya Tours, and an incredible Harbour Air flightseeing tour.

“This strategic VIP famil allowed Destination Canada and its DMO partners to gain valuable insights, by bringing together its key partners to collaborate and collectively discuss the Australian industry’s post-pandemic challenges, how we can better support the travel industry, and what we need to consider when building a sustainable recovery for Canada.” said Julie King, Managing Director, Destination Canada GSA – Australia.

Maureen Riley, Vice President International, Destination Canada, updated trade partners on Destination Canada’s strategy, its new brand direction and strategic objectives for the Australian market.

“It was an opportune time for key members of the Australian travel industry to come together to take part in legendary Canadian experiences, showcasing another side of Canada, whilst playing a crucial role in helping us all move confidently towards building a positive future in regenerative tourism,” added King.

During the famil, participants were treated to a two-night stay at the remote Sonora Resort, nestled in the Discovery Islands archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, accessible only by sea or air. Exclusive grizzly bear and eco tours took the group through a moss-covered rainforest to various bear-viewing towers on the banks of the river, led by an experienced Homalco First Nation Guide who provided stories and historical context along the way. They also experienced an incredible whale and sea lion spotting excursion.

“We were extremely fortunate to witness grizzly bears descending on the river to feast on spawning salmon in their natural habitat during our stay at Sonora Resort. The bears make a rare appearance from August to October and this experience was a true highlight for the group” said King.

The VIP famil guest list included:

  • Vic Naughton, General Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Air Canada
  • Neil Rogers, Managing Director, Adventure World Travel
  • Rodney Muller, Managing Director, SkiMax
  • Dan Walker, Managing Director, Sno’n’Ski Group
  • Helen Demetriou, General Manager – Air, Tours, Cruises & Tourism Boards, Luxury Escapes
  • Greg McCallum, Sales & Marketing Director, Entire Travel Group
  • Sarah Gerrand, Partnerships Manager, Helloworld
  • Rachael Lochhead, Regional Sales Manager, Flight Centre

www.keepexploring.com.au