Two Canadian Direct Travel advisors nominated for Virtuoso awards

Two of Direct Travel’s Canadian advisors have been named finalists for the prestigious Virtuoso Travel Awards.

The advisors are Sheila Gallant-Halloran, of Direct affiliate Lush Life Travel in Ottawa, who has been nominated in the Top Sustainability Community category; and Shawn Kilner of Imagine Cruise and Travel in Nanaimo, B.C., nominated in the Top Culinary Community Advisor category.

“It’s wonderful to see Sheila and Shawn nominated for these awards,” said Stephen Smith, senior vice-president of leisure strategy and marketing at Direct Travel. “They have both carved out niches in a very competitive industry and are proving they are at the top of their game. To be recognized like this amongst one’s peers is impressive indeed.”

“I have long joined hands with those who champion sustainable tourism,” said Gallant-Halloran, “and feel strongly that we can have a trip of a lifetime while also making a positive impact on the local communities and places.”

Kilner, who specializes in small ship and river cruises as well as adventure travel, said she is proud of her achievements in the field of culinary travel.

“When one experiences ‘local,’ there is always a story about the cuisine, maybe a local cheese maker, an organic farm or family secret family recipes. Food connects people, history and culture,” she said.

The winners will be announced at the community lunch event at Virtuoso Travel Week, which will take place in Las Vegas in August.

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