TORONTO — What better way to kick off a long weekend than a night of new industry connections, camaraderie and networking?

That was the thinking behind Nexion Travel Group’s recent Toronto Regional, attracting more than 55 travel advisor members and 20+ suppliers to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel.

Travel partners taking part in the tradeshow included ACV, Air Canada, AmaWaterways, Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, CIE Tours, Expedia TAAP, G Adventures, Manulife, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Sandals and Beaches, Sunwing, TravelBrands, Uniworld, Viking, WestJet and WestJet Vacations, with many offering presentations as well.

Nexion is committed to the Canadian market and understands it well, says Jackie Friedman, President, Nexion Travel Group.

Friedman has long been a champion for travel advisors, and she’s been at the helm of Nexion since 2007. Nexion Travel Group-Canada began serving independent contractor agents in Canada in 2013.

“At Nexion, we’re deeply committed to supporting our Canadian members by bringing meaningful, in-person events directly to their regions,” Friedman tells Travelweek. “Our recent Toronto regional was our largest yet, with over 55 advisors and 21 supplier partners in attendance, ranging from newcomers to industry veterans with more than 40 years of experience. Events like this are instrumental in building a sense of community and reinforcing the culture that makes Nexion so unique. The education, connections, trade show with top suppliers and overall shared enthusiasm in the room were truly inspiring and provided excellent opportunities for our advisors”.

Nexion Canada will be focusing on expanding its Canadian membership and hosting more Canadian events in key cities across Canada. One upcoming event, the Vancouver Regional, is set to take place April 24 at the Hilton Vancouver Airport (click here for more details).

Ahead of Thursday’s event Travelweek connected with Friedman and also with Esther Roemmele, Director of Canadian Operations at Nexion, to find out more about Nexion’s plans for this market.

Travelweek: Nexion is headquartered in the U.S., yet you also operate a host agency in Canada. Can you elaborate on Nexion’s commitment to the Canadian market?

Friedman: “Nexion entered the Canadian market back in early 2013 after acquiring a majority share of Uniglobe Instant Travel.

“Since that time, we have grown slowly and steadily, and today have almost 600 advisors in Canada. Mike Foster and his team remained with the company and led the charge as we transitioned from a retail agency with about 20 independent contractors to where we are today.

“Esther Roemmele was an integral part of that growth and transition, making her very well-positioned to lead our operation in Canada now that Mike Foster has retired. We are also thrilled to have Mike’s son Alex as part of the team moving forward.

“For me personally, it is so important that we offer our Canadian advisors the best of both worlds. Not only do our Canadian members have access to exclusive Canadian programs, but they can also take advantage of the training and marketing offered to the broader North American network.”

Travelweek: What specific strategies is Nexion implementing to meet the unique needs of your Canadian members? Can you share any plans for hosting member events in Canada?

Friedman: “This year we are ensuring that we offer both live and virtual events exclusively for our Canadian members. We are doing full regionals in both Toronto and Vancouver this spring. In addition, we are doing smaller mixer events in Halifax, St. John’s, Calgary and Edmonton.

“These opportunities will enable our members to network with each other, with Nexion leadership, and with supplier partners. We are also doing quarterly Canada town halls, where our Canadian members can participate and work virtually with each other.”

Roemmele: “We want to connect with our members locally and we have some great opportunities scheduled in 2025. I’ll be doing regular provincial calls, which will enable advisors to work virtually and talk about issues that are most relevant to them.”

Nexion’s Jackie Friedman and Esther Roemmele (front row, left to right) with (standing at back, left to right) Nexion members Helayne Hauw, Kim McPhail and Anne Brobyn

Travelweek: How does Nexion stay informed and responsive to travel trends and evolving demands in the Canadian market?

Roemmele: “We must listen to our advisors and supplier partners, understanding how trends can impact our businesses. We must be strategic and communicate effectively.”

Travelweek: How many members do you have in Canada and how do you plan to grow membership?

Roemmele: “Nexion Canada currently has 592 Canadian members across most provinces. We do not have any members in Quebec at this time, but we are focused on expanding our presence and offering valuable resources, training and support to Canadian advisors to help them succeed in the travel industry.”

Travelweek: Are you involved in travel advisor advocacy in the Canadian market?

Roemmele: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to replace Mike Foster on the Travel Leaders Network Canadian Council and look forward to expanding my participation with other advocacies in the Canadian marketplace in the future.”

Travelweek: What are some booking trends you’re seeing in Canada?

Roemmele: “We have so many great advisors who have found their niche and they’re passionate to deliver incomparable and unique experiences.  We are seeing a steady increase in groups and a strong desire to focus on the luxury client.”

Travelweek: Where will Canadian travellers be traveling in 2025 and beyond? 

Friedman: “Some of our advisors have shared that their clients are hesitant to travel to the U.S. at this time. Instead, we’re seeing increased interest in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and more exotic destinations. Canadian advisors are proactively highlighting domestic travel options to clients who might have previously considered trips to the U.S.”