Direct Travel has announced that two of its Canadian advisors have been named finalists for esteemed Virtuoso Travel community awards. Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Lush Life Travel in Ottawa and Shawn Kilner of Imagine Cruise & Travel in Nanaimo, B.C., are recognized for their exceptional contributions to sustainable and culinary travel, respectively.
Gallant-Halloran is a finalist in the Top Sustainability Community award category, while Kilner is nominated for the Top Culinary Community Advisor award. Their nominations underscore their strong support of Virtuoso partners within their specialties.
“It’s wonderful to see Sheila and Shawn nominated for these awards,” said Stephen Smith, Direct Travel’s SVP of Leisure Strategy & Marketing. “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.”
Expressing her gratitude, Gallant-Halloran stated, “I have long joined hands with those who champion sustainable tourism, 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, is proud of her culinary travel achievements. “When one experiences ‘local,’ there is always a story about the cuisine, maybe a local cheese maker, an organic farm, or family-secret recipes. Food connects people, history, and culture.”
The winners will be announced at the Community Lunch event during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas in August.