In a dazzling setting at the El Dorado Royale Resort, Karisma Hotels presented awards to its top-selling ‘Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants for the 15th time. Despite the tough travel restrictions imposed by Canada during 2021, several Canadian advisors were among the winners.

That list included DestaWed’s Aiksimar Singh, who was honoured for top growth in Canada. Singh was also celebrated for being a top 10 producer in selling Generations Resorts.

Suri Pillai’s Wed in Destination achieved Karisma’s “Diamond Level 2” status, which is reserved for those who sell at least 240 room nights. Pillai’s company was also honoured as a top 10 seller for Karmisma brand Azul Beach Resorts.

“It was unexpected to but exciting to win two awards,” Pillai told TravelPulse Canada.

Another double winner was Brenda Moran of Tripcentral.ca, who earned kudos as a top seller of Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts by Karisma and for achieving ‘Diamond Level 2’ status.

Canadian tour operators TravelBrands, Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing and WestJet were thanked for their contributions during the busy three-day event that featured company updates, site visits and extravagant themed parties. At the event representing TravelBrands was Lora Hamre, Director, Retail & IC Program for Red Label Vacations.

For Canadian advisors, the biggest news from the event is that Karisma is in the process of hiring two BDMs to be based in Canada, supporting agent sales efforts. Once hired, they will work alongside Mexico-based Regional Sales Manager Marisol Calderón and Sales Executive USA and Canada Edgar Reyes.

Karisma executives said the Canadian market is roaring back following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. That fact was driven home by the packed Air Canada 777 that carried TravelPulse Canada to and from Cancun.

With enhanced sales resources coming and a strong demand for travel among Canadians, it’s likely that next year’s GIVC awards will see a beefed-up Canadian presence.