TORONTO — Two of Direct Travel’s Canadian advisors have been named finalists for Virtuoso Travel community awards.

Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Direct affiliate Lush Life Travel in Ottawa has been nominated in the Top Sustainability Community award category.

“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,” said Gallant-Halloran.

Shawn Kilner of Imagine Cruise & Travel in Nanaimo, B.C. has been nominated in the Top Culinary Community Advisor award category.

 Kilner, who specializes in small ship and river cruises as well as adventure travel, 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.”

The winners will be announced at the Community Lunch event at Virtuoso Travel Week which will take place in Las Vegas in August.

Stephen Smith, Senior Vice President, Leisure Strategy & Marketing at Direct Travel, says the awards reflect the advisors’ strong support of Virtuoso partners in their respective communities.

“It’s wonderful to see Sheila and Shawn nominated for these awards,” said Smith. “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.”