PHOTO: Pictured left to right, Nicholas Panza, vice president for Air Tahiti Nui; Evelyn Cassis; Jonathan Reap, managing director,, Tahiti Tourisme North America. (Photo courtesy of Air Tahiti Nui)

Montreal travel professional Evelyn Cassis, who helped pioneer the concept of travel from Quebec to French Polynesia, has been honoured with the “Tiare” award by Air Tahiti Nui. Presented at the Tahiti Business Forum, held in in Los Angeles last week, Cassis was recognized for her life-long commitment to supporting tourism to Tahiti and promoting the services of Tahiti’s national airline, Air Tahiti Nui.

“This award is presented in recognition of Mrs. Cassis’ 26 years as the proprietor of Voyages Cassis,” said Nicholas Panza, vice president for Air Tahiti Nui.“During this time she has been a constant promoter and supporter of tourism to French Polynesia and Air Tahiti Nui. Voyages Cassis was a leader in the province of Quebec in helping to develop interest in the Islands of Tahiti and was a constant top seller for Air Tahiti Nui. It is with great pleasure that we recognize Evelyn’s many years of dedication and hard work on behalf of the Airline and French Polynesia.”

Cassis began her career in the travel industry at the age of 15, although at the time she had aspirations of becoming a ballerina with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. The mother of her dance teacher owned a travel agency in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and asked Cassis if she was interested in helping out. It wasn’t long before Cassis caught the travel bug.

Cassis would go on to become a district manager for Travel Eaton for nearly 10 years and then held several roles with area wholesalers, before setting up her own wholesale business, Voyages Cassis in 1992, which specialized in exotic destinations.

Earlier this year, Cassis closed her business—after 26 years—to join one-time competitor Tours Chanteclerc as their South Pacific director. The move allows Cassis to focus on what she loves, selling French Polynesia. Already, Cassis has been able to fulfill one business goal, as Tours Chanteclerc looks forward to releasing an English-language South Pacific brochure in the near future. All Voyages Cassis’ clients are now being served under the Tours Chanteclerc brand.

Air Tahiti Nui flies non-stop between Los Angeles and Papeete, an eight-hour flight, with connections from around Canada. The airline has won a number of awards for its service, and is a two-time winner of the “Best Foreign Airline” award at TravelPulse’s own Travvy awards.

The Tiare Award is only presented a few times a year and only to individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to promoting the airline.

For more information on Air Tahiti Nui, visit www.airtahitinui.com; for information on booking a South Pacific Getaway, visit www.tourschanteclerc.com.

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