Tier One Travel recently had the honour of celebrating a significant milestone at the beautiful Spruce Meadows equestrian complex in Calgary; their 30th Anniversary!
Tier One Travel consultants, staff, and valued suppliers gathered in a skybox at Spruce Meadows to commemorate the occasion.
Together, they enjoyed a day of horse jumping championships, live country music, dog shows, markets, and much more.
“This momentous occasion was marked with immense pride and gratitude as we reflected on three decades of excellence in the travel industry,” Tier One Travel President/Partner Shelley Ewing said. “Our love of travel is what created Tier One Travel in the first place; that and our passion for people and ensuring they have the most incredible, memorable travel experiences possible.
“We remain 100% Canadian-owned and operated and, as a boutique host agency, have respected relationships with some of the best suppliers worldwide.”
“I’m not sure where the 30 years went, but it certainly has been a great adventure,” Ewing told Open Jaw.
She said Tier One Travel became the first Canadian travel agency to implement a host agency model dedicated to supporting independent travel consultants in 1994. They handle everything from family and luxury travel to cruises and weddings and have offices in Calgary, Edmonton, and Victoria. They're also recognized as a top Ensemble performer.
“We recognized that their expertise and passion for travel was what they loved, and they excelled at it, but that they needed help with the business side of things, such as marketing, supplier negotiations and accounting.”
Over the years, Tier One Travel has become a leading force in the travel industry.
“We have curated unforgettable experiences, touching countless lives and creating memories that last a lifetime,” Ewing said. “This growth and success are a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and our passion for travel.
“Our focus has always been about quality, not quantity, meaning that our travel consultants are well travelled and very knowledgeable. As a boutique agency, with a dedicated support team, we are able to provide personal attention,” she told Open Jaw.
Open Jaw President, Nina Slawek, noted, “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Shelley at a number of Ensemble Conferences and this leader is a consummate professional. You can see in the way suppliers show respect to Tier One, they are a strong player in Canada.”
“Being ‘independent’ doesn’t mean you are alone, and staying local in Western Canada enables us to nurture our relationships,” said Ewing.
Ewing said one guiding principle that has always resonated with Tier One is the African proverb, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
“This wisdom encapsulates the spirit of our journey. Our success is not just the result of individual efforts but a collective achievement of our dedicated team, talented travel professionals, and supportive suppliers. Together, we have built something truly remarkable.”
“Our dedicated staff have shown unparalleled commitment and passion, driving Tier One Travel to new heights,” she said. “Our talented travel consultants provide expertise and creativity, ensuring our clients enjoy extraordinary travel experiences. And our valued suppliers have provided unwavering support, helping us deliver top-notch services.
“We remain committed to innovation, excellence, and creating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients.”
“This industry continues to evolve and is ever changing, and we have proved to be very resilient over the years,” Ewing added. “As we raise a glass to 30 years of success, we also look forward to the future.”
