Sunwing Highlights Strong Winter Demand and Growth at Amplify Leadership Event

Sunwing Vacations Group brought together 160 EPIC leaders from across its vacation and retail brands last week for its third annual Amplify leadership event, sponsored by trusted partner NexusTours. During the event, executive leadership shared key strategic updates for what looks to be another strong winter season. With guest demand shifting from transborder to Latin American and Caribbean destinations, Sunwing Vacations Group is ready to meet that growing interest and continue its competitive growth trajectory.

"We are excited to see the momentum for the 2025-2026 winter season," said Andrew Dawson, President of Sunwing Vacations Group, who shared key wins and ambitious plans for the winter season. "Advance bookings are running ahead of last winter and we are excited to see so many vacationers taking advantage of the great Early Booking Bonus offers. We are especially thrilled to be expanding our reach with new destinations like Samana (Dominican Republic), Managua (Nicaragua) and San Andres (Colombia) for Sunwing Vacations and direct to Havana (Cuba) for WestJet Vacations."

Highlights from this year's Amplify leadership event included:

• Business updates from John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, who reinforced WestJet’s commitment to growing the tour operator to ensure continued success for a strong winter season
• Updates from Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, outlining WestJet's continued investment in guest experience that benefits Sunwing Vacations guests, including in-flight Wi-Fi
• An in-depth look at NexusTours’ enhanced offerings, including investments in new branded catamarans, more transfer vehicles and the brand new Travel Agent Portal now available to all travel advisors booking through the Sunwing Vacations Group brands
• Recognition of significant brand achievements, including:
  • Vacation Express's record year and the group's impressive growth, especially in Jamaica
  • WestJet Vacations’ increase in Latin American-Caribbean destination offerings
  • WestJet Vacations Quebec’s incredible year-over-year growth
• A presentation from Rahul Singh, head of GlobalMedic, highlighting the longstanding relationship between GlobalMedic and Sunwing Vacations, future plans and volunteer opportunities
• Celebration of Cuba's tourism resurgence, with improved product, infrastructure and higher guest reviews driving renewed confidence
• Acknowledgment of Luxe Destination Weddings as the star performer, generating volume throughout the ecosystem, for sister brands Vacation Express, Sunwing Weddings and WestJet Vacations

"We're excited that Sunwing guests are now travelling onboard WestJet flights and experiencing the enhanced service," noted Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer.  "We recently celebrated a major milestone of 100 of WestJet’s 737 aircraft now offering WestJet Wi-Fi, presented by TELUS. This transforms the way guests can stay connected, stream content and browse seamlessly throughout the flight. "

Presenters were also eager to highlight destination and product performance across the group's portfolio.

"Cuba is absolutely thriving again," said Dawson. "We're seeing Canadian travellers rediscover what makes this destination so special. The combination of authentic culture, beautiful beaches, great value and improved guest experiences is creating incredible momentum. Canadians are finding they can enjoy an amazing vacation experience without breaking the bank. Overall, winter is off to a great start with group vacations and new destinations, with some key dates and prime hotels already selling out.”

These developments signal a significant opportunity for travel advisors, who can leverage the expanded product portfolio and enhanced guest experience to meet strong client demand for the upcoming winter season.

"We're seeing momentous growth from travel advisors this winter," said Steph Ng, WestJet Group Vice President of Marketing. "That's why we continue to recognize our advisor community in this year’s winter campaign - they're the driving force behind connecting Canadians to their dream vacations and we're committed to supporting their success."