The Direct Access Leisure Conference, hosted by Direct Travel in Toronto, brought together nearly 400 participants to highlight the leisure travel industry’s influence. Among those in attendance were over 200 travel advisors and 85 strategic partners, all gathered for three days focused on supporting connections and identifying trends that will define leisure travel’s future.
The event began with Direct Impact, the company’s yearly philanthropic program, which this year supported Water First and The Intrepid Foundation. Instead of distributing traditional conference gifts, Direct Travel contributed $2,500 to Water First while pledging to match attendee donations up to an additional $10,000.
Community Give-Back Initiative
This year’s initiative prioritized Water First’s efforts to assist Indigenous communities across Canada, tackling water-related issues through education, skill development, and locally driven solutions. René Schneeberger, SVP of Leisure Supplier Relations and Revenue Optimization, emphasized that water represents a fundamental necessity for human survival, showing its critical role in daily life.
Direct Travel’s collaboration with The Intrepid Foundation—an international organization linking travelers with projects in community development, humanitarian aid, and environmental conservation—strengthened the initiative. The program aligns with the company’s dedication to promoting ethical travel practices and supporting meaningful change beyond the trips it facilitates.
Anywhere Platform Preview
A major highlight of the conference was the first public showcase of Anywhere, Direct Travel’s newly developed all-in-one platform designed for leisure advisors. Attendees witnessed a live demonstration illustrating how the tool streamlines operations, boosts efficiency, clarifies commission structures, and integrates technology more seamlessly into advisors’ workflows.
Rebecca Adams, VP of Data Insights and Strategy, noted that Anywhere is engineered to accommodate individual advisor preferences rather than forcing them to conform to rigid technological demands. Scheduled for a Q2 2027 launch, the platform reflects Direct Travel’s investment in resources that reduce administrative burdens and allow advisors to focus more on client service.
The conference’s GEM Awards honored top performers within Direct Travel’s advisor network, recognizing professionals who excel in client satisfaction, business outcomes, and industry knowledge. Joelle Goldman, VP of Host Services and Luxury Hotel Programs, and Julie Skinner, SVP of Leisure Sales, presented accolades to 166 advisors across the Sapphire, Diamond, and Ruby tiers.
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One hundred eleven Sapphire Advisors were celebrated for their consistent delivery of high-level service and expertise. Twenty-nine Diamond Advisors were acknowledged for achieving peak industry success through outstanding performance, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Meanwhile, 26 Ruby Advisors, representing a 53% increase from 2025, were honored for embodying the highest standards of travel advisory excellence.
Direct Travel also presented GEM Partner Awards to suppliers whose collaboration, innovation, and commitment significantly enhanced advisor success throughout the year. These awards spotlight organizations that embody Direct Travel’s BOLD principles and deliver tangible benefits to advisors, clients, and the broader travel sector.
The conference wrapped up with the announcement that Direct Access 2027 will be held October 4–6, 2027, at AVA Resort Cancun in Cancun, Mexico, where Gerard Bellino, President of Leisure, expressed anticipation for celebrating the company’s skilled travel advisors.
Bellino remarked that despite industry challenges, Direct Travel experienced steady growth in 2026, with 2027 poised for another strong year in luxury leisure travel. The event will uphold the company’s tradition of uniting advisors and partners to honor achievements, deepen professional relationships, and explore emerging opportunities in leisure travel, as Direct Travel continues to support its advisors and collaborators.
Stephen Smith, EVP of Leisure at Direct Travel, described Direct Access as a vital platform for partners and advisors to engage directly, support mutual growth, and reinforce the company’s cultural cohesion.
Advisor Excellence and Growth
The count of Ruby Advisors rose from 17 in 2025 to 26 in 2026, marking a substantial growth spurt. This trend reflects the increasing demand for specialized travel advice and the indispensable role advisors play in guiding modern travelers.