Four Canadian Direct Travel Advisors On Condé Nast Travel Specialists List

Four of Direct Travel’s Canadian independent travel advisors have been named to the prestigious Condé Nast Travel Specialists list. And, as Stephen Smith, SVP Leisure Strategy & Marketing notes, each has been featured at least once before.

The annual list, which features some of the world’s best travel advisors and niche tour operators, recognizes top travel pros for their experience, expertise, resourcefulness and customer care.  As Condé Nast puts it: “They’ll pull off the impossible and spare you the logistics.” 

“The fact that these Direct Travel advisors have been repeatedly showcased on the list is a tribute to the consistently superior service they provide,” says Joelle Goldman, VP Host Services and Luxury Hotel Program at Direct Travel.  

“They are clearly at the top of their game and we are tremendously proud of their achievements.” It’s evidence, Goldman added, that the supportive and collaborative culture of Direct nurtures the best in travel advisors.  

The Canadian Direct Travel advisors on the Condé Nast Travel Specialists list are:

Direct Travel Canada independent advisor Ariane Henry made the Conde Nast list for the fourth time. (Photo Credit: Direct Travel)

White-Rock, B.C.-based Ariane Henry (making her fourth appearance on the list); sisters Lisa and Nancy Zupancic of Toronto (in their third year); and Katherine Velan of Montreal (now celebrating her second year).  

Montreal-based Katherine Velan is celebrating her second year on the prestigious list. (Photo Credit: Direct Travel)

Velan says: “When I was little, my Dad subscribed to the Condé Nast Magazine, and I decided I wanted to become a writer and travel the world. I never became a writer, but became the best travel agent I could – and lucky for me they noticed!” 

B.C.’s Henry adds: “I am honoured to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler once again. It’s a privilege to be acknowledged alongside such esteemed colleagues in the industry.”

Toronto’s Lisa Zupancic is on the list for the third time. (Photo Credit: Direct Travel)

And, according to the Zupancic sisters: “This recognition allows us to think we are on the right track with our care and inventing explorations for our clients.  What is clear is we do not work in a vacuum and having wonderful clients and exceptional suppliers is the key.” 

Nancy Zupancic is on the list for the third time along with sister Lisa. (Photo Credit: Direct Travel)

Two U.S. Direct Travel advisors also appear on the list: Jennifer Fried of Cleveland, Ohio, celebrating her second year, and Jesse Taylor of Naples, Florida, a fourth-time honouree.

Topics From This Article to Explore