Canadian travel advisors recognize Villas of Distinction as the leading luxury villa rental company in 2025 

Wakefield, Mass. (May 21, 2025) – TravelPulse Canada readers have spoken, naming Villas of Distinction_® Villa Rental Company of the Year. This award recognizes Villas of Distinction’s outstanding performance, innovation, and service across the travel industry, spotlighting those who continue to shape and elevate the experience for vacationers and travel advisors alike.

Each year, TravelPulse Canada invites its readers to weigh in on their favorite travel experiences across the globe, spanning hotels, airlines, cruises, luxury accommodations, and travel service providers. Companies are rated based on service, value, and overall experience—an area where Villas of Distinction continues to exceed expectations.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award from Canadian travel advisors,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product and agency relations at Villas of Distinction. “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing our travel advisor partners and guests with the finest luxury villa experiences, paired with a personalized concierge service that goes beyond expectations. We believe that true luxury is not just about stunning properties, but the memories and moments created during each stay. This award is a tribute to our dedicated team and the trust our travel agency partners and guests place in us.”

This esteemed honor highlights Villas of Distinction’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional, tailor-made vacations. Featuring an expansive collection of stunning villas in many of the world’s most desirable locales, the brand is dedicated to crafting unforgettable getaways for every traveler.

To explore the complete list of winners and learn more about the award categories, please visit TravelPulse Canada.

For travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind villa vacation designed by a full-service team, Villas of Distinction offers an unmatched experience. A dedicated Villa Specialist helps match guests with their ideal destination, while a personal Concierge handles every detail—from excursions to in-villa amenities. To start planning your personalized escape, contact your travel advisor or visit VillasofDistinction.com or call 800-289-0900.

About TravelPulse Canada
TravelPulse Canada is the leading online news and information source for the Canadian travel trade. Offering the latest insights, trends, and updates on the travel industry, TravelPulse Canada delivers relevant content to Canadian travel professionals and keeps them informed on the latest developments shaping the market.

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an exclusive portfolio of vetted and inspected villas in more than 60 destinations worldwide, including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities, like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1988, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Nation’s Largest Cruise Agency and Award-Winning Leisure Travel Company Soars to #4 Finish

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (May 12, 2025) – World Travel Holdings, the parent company of South Florida-based Dream Vacations/CruiseOne, a homebased travel agency franchise, has been awarded a 2025 Top Workplaces honor by the Sun Sentinel for a record-setting 11^th year in a row (every year since the award’s inception). World Travel Holdings placed #4 out of the 44 companies ranked in the medium-sized employers’ category. World Travel Holdings’ Dream Vacations/CruiseOne brands house the lion’s share of the division’s talented and experienced employees out of its Fort Lauderdale headquarters.

“Climbing to the #4 spot in the mid-size employer category—especially in our first year being recognized at this level—is an incredible achievement and one we’re deeply proud of,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “This milestone is a testament to the strength of our culture, the dedication of our teams, and our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where people feel valued and inspired. Being the only employer listed as a Top Workplace for all 11 years reinforces that when you invest in your people, the results speak for themselves.”

The Sun Sentinel Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage  LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

The company’s 11^th consecutive placement in the awards program reflects its commitment to fostering a positive work environment. To see the full list of winners, visit the Sun Sentinel Top Workplaces website.

To learn more about World Travel Holdings and its career opportunities, visit the company’s Careers page.

About World Travel Holdings
World Travel Holdings is the nation’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of nearly 40 diverse brands. In addition to owning some of the largest brands distributing cruises, villas, resort vacations, car rentals, resort day passes and luxury travel services, World Travel Holdings has a vast portfolio of private-label partnerships comprised of top leisure travel providers, including almost every U.S. airline, leading hotel brands and prominent corporations. The company also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and is consistently recognized as an industry leader in employee engagement and work-at-home employment. Its global presence includes operating multiple cruise brands in the United Kingdom. World Travel Holdings has offices in Wakefield, Mass.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and Chorley, England. For more information, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com. 

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its agents everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients—all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. 

About Energage
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 16 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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CLIA Recognizes Daly’s Lasting Impact on the Travel Industry, Celebrating a Career of Innovation, Advocacy and Heart

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (April 29, 2025) — Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, has been honored with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the industry’s highest honors. This recognition celebrates Daly’s nearly 30-year legacy of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to empowering travel advisors and inspiring his teams.

Daly’s journey in travel began in 1995 when he joined National Leisure Group—now World Travel Holdings. He started as a travel advisor after graduating college, it quickly became clear that this was more than a job for him, it was a long-term career, and he had found his calling. Over the years, Daly has made an indelible mark across many corners of the travel industry—from launching one of the earliest virtual call centers before remote work was mainstream, to helping thousands of entrepreneurs launch successful businesses through Dream Vacations and CruiseOne.

“Drew has been a driving force in the travel industry for three decades, and I’ve had the honor of working side-by-side with him for many of those years,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “What makes Drew so special is that he leads with both heart and vision. He doesn’t just talk about caring about it, every single day, in every interaction. His ability to connect with people, to inspire, to innovate, and to champion travel advisors is unmatched. This honor is so well-deserved, and I couldn’t be prouder to see him recognized.”

In 2009, Daly transitioned into the franchise and host side of the business, where his passion for mentorship and advisor development took center stage. Today, he leads a variety of business functions including training, sales, marketing, recruitment, business development, events, and more. Under his leadership, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne has cultivated a culture of inclusion, innovation, and FUN—something Daly quite literally wrote the book on. His award-winning 2018 book Selling Fun has become a staple resource for travel professionals across the country.

Beyond business growth, Daly’s heart for service shines brightly. He’s rappelled buildings for Gilda’s Club, hammered nails for Habitat for Humanity, and led fundraising initiatives that have raised nearly $2 million for Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida since 2011. His signature energy and ability to inspire collective action are on full display each year during National Conference, where he helps rally advisors around giving back.

In 2019, Daly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Oprah Winfrey as a guest speaker at the christening of Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam. During the pandemic, he represented the travel advisor community before the U.S. Senate to advocate for the safe return of cruising. A two-term Chair of CLIA’s STARBoard, he continues to serve on numerous supplier advisory boards and nonprofit boards, including The Travel Institute and PATH.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Drew Daly. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the most passionate, hardworking, and inspiring people in the world of travel. This award is a reflection of all the teams, advisors, supplier partners and mentors who have made this journey so meaningful. I truly believe that when we lead with kindness, stay curious, and support one another, we can do incredible things—and have a whole lot of fun doing it.”

Known affectionately as the “Selfie King,” Daly is never without a smile—or a camera. He’s the kind of leader who remembers names, celebrates wins big and small, and always finds time to strike up a conversation. Whether he’s encouraging someone’s next big idea or leading a themed dance party at an industry event, Drew’s warmth and authenticity are unmatched.

CLIA’s Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to a professional who has helped shape the travel industry with both head and heart. Through his leadership, advocacy, and relentless enthusiasm, Drew Daly has built more than a career—he’s built a legacy.

When you join the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne network, you’re not just starting a business—you’re gaining a team that truly cares more. With the guidance of industry leaders like CLIA Hall of Fame honoree Drew Daly, you’ll have the support, education, and partnerships you need to thrive. If you’re ready to turn your passion for travel into something bigger, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn more.

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Luxury villa bookings surge across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe 

Wakefield, Mass. (April 24, 2025) – Villas of Distinction®, a premier luxury villa rental company, reported double-digit growth in bookings across top global destinations in the first quarter of 2025. The uptick underscores continued demand by travelers for high-end, private villas and luxurious travel experiences.

“Guests are increasingly valuing unique properties, high-touch service, and authentic local experiences,” said Jamie Cash, chief operating officer of Villas of Distinction. “We’re seeing strong interest in both last-minute getaways and long-range planning for key travel periods.”

Key Booking Insights: 

• Top Growth Destinations: Mexico (Los Cabos, Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta), the Caribbean (Barbados, Anguilla, St. Martin, Jamaica), and Europe (Portugal, Greece, Spain, France) saw the highest year-over-year increases.
• Booking Behavior: Travelers continue to book both spontaneous trips and future travel, with strong activity for summer and the 2025 holiday season.
• Stay Trends: There is growing interest in larger groups traveling together, with guests valuing the shared luxury experience.
• S. Travel Trends: U.S. travel also surged, with notable growth over last year, primarily in Hawaii and Florida. These trips are longer in duration and often include larger parties.

For more information, contact your travel advisor or visit VillasofDistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an exclusive portfolio of vetted and inspected villas in more than 60 destinations worldwide, including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1988, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction a “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” winner in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (April 16, 2025) – The recently concluded Dream Vacations and CruiseOne River Summit aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina provided travel advisors with an immersive educational experience along the Rhone River in France. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne travel advisors expanded their expertise in the river cruise sector with supplier-led workshops, exclusive excursions, and strategic business discussions.

“River cruising is one of the fastest-growing sectors in travel, and our River Summit is designed to give our advisors an edge in this evolving landscape,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “Beyond gaining firsthand product knowledge, events like these strengthen the relationships between suppliers, our headquarters team, and fellow franchise owners—creating a network of support and collaboration that fuels long-term business success.”

The 2025 River Summit is part of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne’s Immersive Education Series with the content focused solely on river cruising. The Immersive Education Series engages travel advisors to empower themselves through hands-on education, supplier relationships, and innovative business strategies. On top of the cultural immersion of the AmaKristina itinerary, advisors interacted directly with leading river cruise experts who presented updates on key developments, including AmaWaterways’ expansion into the Amazon River in Colombia and Scenic’s fleet growth plans through 2030. For the first time, land tour operators participated in the summit, offering insights into pre- and post-cruise package extensions that enhance the overall client experience.

Advisors also engaged in experiential learning through exclusive on-the-ground excursions, including a ghost reenactment performance in Viviers, a visit to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard in Avignon, and an immersive Carrieres des Lumières art show in a limestone quarry, featuring works by Monet and Rousseau set to classical music.

Beyond professional development, the summit underscored the growing opportunities in the charter market, with several advisors leveraging supplier partnerships to expand their businesses. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the charter market as more travelers seek unique and personalized experiences,” said Jessica Slater, a Dream Vacations franchise owner. “Participating in the River Summit gave me the in-depth knowledge and supplier connections needed to confidently step into this space. With the continued support and collaboration across the industry, this has become an exciting area of opportunity, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.”

Slater and several other Dream Vacations and CruiseOne travel advisors have already established successful river charters, including Mara Hargarther, Jennifer Swanson, Mike Ziegenbalg, Trapper Martin, and Denise Valente are just a few notable examples of advisors leading the charge in this arena.

As Dream Vacations and CruiseOne advisors continue to expand their expertise and grow their businesses through events like the River Summit, the power of a supportive network becomes clear. Those looking to turn their passion for travel into a thriving business with the backing of industry-leading education and supplier partnerships can learn more about franchising at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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A One-of-a-Kind Fan Experience Connecting Gators Fans with Their Favorite Athletes at Sea 

Wakefield, Mass. (April 09, 2025) – Cruises.com, the Official Cruise Partner of the Florida Gators®, is thrilled to announce the 2^nd Annual Gators at Sea Fan Cruise, setting sail June 19-22, 2026, aboard the stunning Royal Caribbean® Utopia of the Seas. This exclusive fan experience brings together University of Florida students, alumni, and devoted fans for an unforgettable voyage at sea.

With the University of Florida fresh off clinching the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball national championship, next year’s Gators at Sea fan cruise presents a unique opportunity to engage with Gator Greats and fellow fans in a meaningful way. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with current student-athletes and Gator legends, participate in exclusive fan experiences, and enjoy the best of Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class ship.

The initial lineup includes Gator football greats James Bates and Alex Brown; All-American gymnasts, Trinity Thomas & Leanne Wong; defending Gold Glove Award winner Kendra Falby; Olympic swimmer Alfonso Mestre and more. Additional Gator athletes and special guests will be announced in the coming months. Fans can visit GatorsAtSea.com to book cabins and for more details, including itineraries, onboard activities, ship amenities, and announcements of additional Gator Greats joining the onboard lineup.

“The Gators at Sea Fan Cruise is more than just a vacation—it’s an immersive experience that brings the unparalleled energy and camaraderie of Gator Nation to the high seas,” said Tim Saccone, vice president of acquisition marketing for Cruises.com.

“We are pleased to once again team up with Cruises.com on this exciting event that allows Gator Nation an up-close and personal opportunity to engage with our Gator Greats in a fun-filled, family environment and capture moments that will last a lifetime,” said Florida Gators athletics director Scott Stricklin.The Gators at Sea Fan Cruise is exclusively operated, facilitated, and administered by Cruises.com, part of World Travel Holdings, the nation’s largest cruise agency and an award-winning leader in leisure travel. 

Gator fans who are ready to sail should visit GatorsAtSea.com, email cruises@gatorsatsea.com, or call 1-800-259-6188. 

About Cruises.com
Cruises.com is the smart way to book. Our team of Travel Experts makes it easy to find and book the perfect cruise, offering a seamless, stress-free experience. Customers enjoy all cruise line promotions plus unlock exclusive perks through Cruises.com Rewards. For more information, visit Cruises.com, like us on Facebook at Cruises.com, or follow us on Instagram @cruisescom.

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 Increased Interest in These Destinations Leads to Added Destinations and Villa Options

Wakefield, Mass. (March 26, 2025) – Villas of Distinction_® continues to elevate luxury travel with the addition of new luxury villa options in London, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Japan, providing discerning travelers with more opportunities to experience their dream vacations in ultimate privacy and comfort.

“Today’s luxury traveler craves exclusivity, personalized experiences, and accommodations that seamlessly blend comfort with cultural immersion,” said Jamie Cash, chief operating officer for Villas of Distinction. “With our latest villa additions, we’re ensuring that our guests have access to some of the most spectacular properties in the world, whether they’re seeking an elegant urban retreat in London, a secluded rainforest hideaway in Costa Rica, or a serene waterfront estate in Sweden.”

London remains one of the world’s premier luxury destinations, and Villas of Distinction has expanded its portfolio to offer travelers an unparalleled stay in the city. New villa options include an elegant historic townhome in Kensington and a modern penthouse with stunning skyline views. One of the most coveted additions, Draycott Place III, is a sophisticated two-bedroom residence that captures the essence of London’s charm and contemporary style, making it the perfect home base for exploring the city in luxury. See all villas in London.

Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity have made it a top choice for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. To meet this growing demand, Villas of Distinction has expanded its offerings with stunning properties in Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Among the new additions is Villa del Cielo, an eco-luxury retreat with panoramic ocean views, a spectacular infinity pool, and a tranquil jacuzzi. Whether exploring the rainforest, unwinding on a private beach, or indulging in world-class dining, these villas provide the ultimate Costa Rican escape. See all villas in Costa Rica.

For travelers looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Sweden, Villas of Distinction introduces its first-ever luxury villa rental in the country. The Lily Croft, a 750-square-meter architectural gem, offers a serene escape in the secluded bay of Mahraviken. Surrounded by pristine nature, this exclusive retreat provides panoramic sea views and direct access to Sweden’s diverse wildlife. Whether guests are seeking adventure or relaxation, this villa delivers an unparalleled Scandinavian luxury experience.

As Japan’s luxury travel market continues to thrive, Villas of Distinction proudly adds Yukihyo, to its portfolio. This architectural masterpiece, nestled in a peaceful forest of birch and pine, offers an immersive experience for travelers who appreciate refined design and natural beauty. Named after the Japanese snow leopard, Yukihyo is a secluded sanctuary where elegance and tranquility coexist, making it a top choice for those seeking an exclusive retreat in Japan.

With these new additions, Villas of Distinction remains committed to providing travelers with the finest selection of luxury villas worldwide, ensuring that every stay is as exceptional and memorable as the destination itself.

For more information about luxury villas in one of these sought-after destinations, contact your travel advisor or visit VillasofDistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an exclusive portfolio of vetted and inspected villas in more than 60 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1988, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Win a dream getaway! Website visitors are invited to enter to win a $10,000 vacation giveaway 

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (March 20, 2025) – Dream Vacations recently launched a newly designed website, revolutionizing how travelers interact with their trusted travel advisors online. The upgrades were designed to transform travel planning and enhance each client’s experience with a suite of pioneering features. The website enhancements make it easier than ever for consumers to explore dream destinations, access exclusive travel deals, and connect with expert travel advisors for personalized vacation planning services.

“Vacations should be stress free and browsing for vacation ideas should be too,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “When you connect with a Dream Vacations travel advisor, you’re not just booking a trip, you’re about to embark on a vacation. With these newly designed websites, travelers can quickly discover their perfect vacation while enjoying a tailored experience that connects them with expert guidance and exclusive offers.”

Enhanced Travel Booking Experience:

• Vacation Inspiration: A more intuitive menu helps customers effortlessly browse vacation options and promotions. Customers will be inspired to plan their next dream vacation by researching options on the newly revamped homepages as well as booking on the site or working directly with an expert travel advisor.
• Personalized Advisor Experience: Customers can search for their perfect match – finding and engaging directly with a travel advisor, ensuring a customized trip-planning experience.
• Integrated Special Offers: Exclusive travel deals and promotions are now more front and center, making it easier for customers to access the best savings.
• Mobile Optimization: A fully responsive design ensures a seamless browsing experience on any device.

$10,000 Vacation Giveaway – Enter Now!

Dream Vacations’ Sweepstakes: The $10,000 Vacation Giveaway is already in full swing and runs through April 13, 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for consumers to turn their travel dreams into reality.

How to Enter:

• Click on the contest entry page and submit your details.

The grand prize winner will be randomly selected on or around April 14, 2025, and announced on the company’s corporate Facebook pages. Each unique email entered qualifies as a subscriber for future exclusive travel deals and promotions.

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations. 

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its agents everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients—all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Dream Vacations/CruiseOne honors female franchise owners with OPAL Award for leadership and community service 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – In honor of Women’s History Month, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is proud to recognize an outstanding female travel advisor with the OPAL Award for Women. This year’s recipient is Tina Tobin, owner of a Dream Vacations franchise based in Bel Air, Maryland.

The OPAL Award, which stands for Outstanding Performance And Leadership, is given to a female franchise owner who demonstrates exceptional business acumen, leadership, and dedication to community service. Honorees are deeply engaged in their communities and play an active role in the Dream Vacations/CruiseOne network.

“Tina’s dedication goes far beyond her business—she’s a mentor, an advocate, and a guiding light for families navigating autism support,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “Her passion for helping others, whether in travel or in her community, truly embodies the spirit of the OPAL Award. We’re honored to celebrate her leadership and the meaningful impact she makes every day.”

Tobin’s dedication extends beyond her business—she actively gives back to her local community, supporting various charitable organizations and fostering connections within the travel industry. Tobin is active in her local Chamber of Commerce and supports organizations like Extreme Family Outreach, which helps underprivileged children, as well as the Arc of Hartford County, where she mentors children with autism. Her enthusiasm and commitment to service have made a meaningful impact on both her clients and colleagues.

“I’m humbled and honored to be selected as the 2025 prestigious OPAL award recipient.  Being chosen is a true testament to the support and guidance I’ve received throughout my journey.  I’m so grateful to be a part of this industry and extremely proud to be a member of Dream Vacations,” said Tobin. “Travel is a gift and has the power to open minds and change lives. The memories we make with the ones we love are something that can never be taken away. To play a role in something so lifechanging is profound.”

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne remains committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, empowering all franchise owners, agents, and employees to reach their full potential. Through its dedication to mentorship, leadership, and community involvement, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne continues to support the success of travel entrepreneurs across the country.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Wakefield, Mass. (March 11, 2025) – Virtuoso®, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, presented its second annual regional Virtuoso Awards at its Canada Forum, which took place March 4-6, 2025, at Fairmont le Château Frontenac in Québec City. Villas of Distinction_® received the award for Top Producing Hotels & Resorts Partner in Canada and was also a finalist in this same category in the U.S.

Villas of Distinction was among the network’s most esteemed Canadian travel agency members and global preferred partners honored with a regional award. These recognitions were given to those that set the standard in their given category based on sales performance or engagement within the network. The Top Producer in Hotels & Resorts award honors a Virtuoso member and partner with the highest overall network sales in the respective category.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as Virtuoso’s Top Producing Hotels & Resorts Partner in Canada,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product and agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “This award is a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve built with our valued travel advisors, whose expertise and dedication continue to drive success. At Villas of Distinction, we remain committed to providing advisors with unparalleled support, exclusive villa offerings and exceptional service to help them create unforgettable experiences for their clients.” 

Awards were announced at an elegant gala on the evening of March 5, 2025. The annual Forum brought together more than 120 attendees, including owners and managers from Virtuoso’s travel agency members in Canada and preferred partners from around the world.

Virtuoso wishes to congratulate Villas of Distinction and thank them for their invaluable contribution to the success of the Virtuoso network.

Additional awards will be announced at each Forum around the world: Greater China/North and Southeast Asia Forum in Shanghai (March 11-12), Continental Europe Forum in Lucerne (March 19-21), UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa Forum in Malta (March 25-27) and Latin America & the Caribbean Forum in Buenos Aires (March 31-April 3). Winners for the U.S. and Australia & New Zealand were honored at their respective Forums held earlier this year. Virtuoso’s coveted Global Awards will continue to recognise top members and partners around the world and are announced at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, taking place this year August 9-15.

For more details on Virtuoso’s network of the world’s best travel agencies, advisors and preferred partners, please visit www.Virtuoso.com.

For travelers ready to book a luxury villa, contact your Travel Advisor or contact Villas of Distinction – call 1-800-289-0900. 

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $35 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.  

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with a portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers with their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

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