Nexion Travel Group has announced its Supplier Partners of the Year and also its rising Canadian star agent.

The Supplier Partners of the Year were chosen by Nexion Travel Group members across the United States and Canada. Members voted in over 21 categories. This year, AmaWaterways was announced as the Best Overall Supplier Partner for 2019, as well as winning Best River Cruise Line.

Nexion also announced its 2019 Rising Star Award winner: Michelle Gaudet, owner of Inspired Travel Adventures in Fort Erie, Ont. Given at Nexion Travel Group’s annual conference, CoNexion, held this year in Orlando, Fla., the award recognizes a newer Nexion Travel Group – Canada member who has demonstrated notable success as a new entrant to the travel industry.

Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE, President of Nexion Travel Group, said the supplier awards were chosen by those who work most closely with their partners on a day-to-day basis, and that's their travel advisor members.

"This is an opportunity to recognize those suppliers who are truly exceptional in partnering with our members and ensuring their clients enjoy an outstanding travel experience. We tremendously value their support, consistent product delivery and professionalism and take great pleasure in recognizing their efforts.”

The following suppliers were recognized during CoNexion 2019, Nexion Travel Group’s annual conference, held recently at Universal Orlando:

Best Overall Supplier – AmaWaterways

Best Contemporary Cruise Line – Royal Caribbean International

Best Premium Cruise Line – Celebrity Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Line – Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best River Cruise Line – AmaWaterways

Best Package Tour Operator – GOGO Vacations

Best Escorted Tour Operator – Globus family of brands

Best Luxury Tour Operator – Tauck

Best Specialty Supplier – Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations

Best Rail Supplier – Rocky Mountaineer

Best Domestic Airline – Delta Air Lines

Best International Airline – United Airlines

Best Ground Transportation Supplier – Enterprise Holdings

Best Travel Insurance Supplier – Travel Insured International

Best Hotel Supplier – IHG

Best Technology/Booking Tool – Vax VacationAccess

Best Travel Advisor Education Program – Princess Cruises

Marketing Supplier Partner of the Year – Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Supplier Business Development Manager – Alicia Steuart, Carnival Cruise Line

Best Overall Canadian Supplier – Air Canada Vacations

Nexion Travel Group members also voted on the travel supplier who went above and beyond over the course of the year in providing support in one or more of the following categories: relief for hurricanes or other natural disasters, poverty, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation and other philanthropic initiatives. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. was named the 2019 Supplier Humanitarian of Year.

“Nexion Travel Group is grateful to our suppliers for their partnership, and their investment in our members. Congratulations to the 2019 Supplier Partners of the Year!” said Friedman.

Rising Star winner Gaudet has operated her travel agency for two years and during that time has transitioned into being a travel advisor full time. She has steadily increased sales, shown strong support for Nexion Travel Group – Canada’s preferred suppliers, completed Travel Leaders of Tomorrow’s Independent Learner program, and attended numerous Nexion Travel Group educational events.

Other accolades and accomplishments include winning the inaugural G Adventures Changemaker Award and being nominated for the Niagara Falls Review Reader Choice Awards for Best Travel Agency 2019. Prior to entering the travel industry, Gaudet worked in digital media and retail management.

“Michelle is an ideal example of a Rising Star,” said Mike Foster, President of Nexion Travel Group – Canada. “Her passion for selling travel has led her to an entirely new career where she has had a lot of early success. Michelle consistently makes use of Nexion Travel Group – Canada’s tools and services to grow her sales. She has been an avid user of the Agent Profiler online lead generation tool and has received excellent client reviews which have led to referrals. Michelle shows an especially strong affinity for adventure travel and group travel and has partnered with our suppliers to combine those two interests into bookings.

"We could not be prouder to have Michelle Gaudet as a Nexion Travel Group – Canada member and are delighted to name her this year’s Rising Star.”

All travel professionals interested in learning how to succeed as a professional business owner, backed by Nexion Travel Group’s many great benefits, are encouraged to call 800-747-6813 or email sales@nexion.com.