Pink Couch Podcast: Behind the Scenes of the Travel Industry

The ‘Hi, this is Karla from Saskatoon’ method of negotiating a contract isn’t for everyone. But for Karla Amaya of Sunset Travel, operating solo by building a fully independent travel agency was the only option for this risk-taker.

Andrew Dawson tells Open Jaw that although bookings are returning, the island needs support and Sunwing Vacations is donating $100 per couple towards relief efforts for all bookings to Jamaica for the next two weeks.

Long time proponent of the value of travel advisors to the travel ecosystem, TLN COO Lindsay Pearlman tells Nina Slawek that as sales skyrocket (luxury is up 25%), more people are using advisors. “The industry is growing faster than we’re bringing people in. And good advisors can make well into six figures.”

Aruba is showing how sustainability can be built naturally into the visitor experience, a strategy that keeps over 40% of Canadians coming back to the Dutch island. “We refer to our tourism model as high-value, low-impact,” says Aruba Tourism CEO Ronella Croes. “It’s a tricky balance.”

In a no holds-barred conversation with Nina Slawek, Air Canada’s Mark Nasr outlines the carrier’s on-going fleet regeneration, global network growth and service improvement plan. While acknowledging “we're not perfect,” he says “we fully recognize that” and “specific measures” are being implemented.

Independent travel advisor ​​Brenda Slater shares her experience in choosing a new host agency along with advice to consumers considering a career in travel: “do what you know, do what you like, do what you have a passion for.”

Open Jaw prez Nina Slawek sat with Air Canada Director of Sales Ana Paula De Souza (in between Samba lessons in Rio!) to chat about the growing business opportunity the airline is creating with its expanding reach across Latin America.

Open Jaw’s Nina Slawek spoke to Netto Moreira, General Manager of the Fairmont Rio, which overlooks the famous Copacabana beach offering what he calls the “Fairmont experience” along with a slice of Brazilian life.

During her recent trip to Rio, Open Jaw’s Nina Slawek spoke to Patrick Fehring, Director Aero Business at Rio’s Galeão International Airport. During their chat, he explained that the airport is seeing more demand for travel to South America and emphasised that Galeão is positioning itself as a “strong international gateway to Brazil”.

Jane Clementino, Senior VP and GM, Canada, reflects on how tech, AI and changing consumer expectations have reshaped travel advising—yet whether an office has three advisors or a hundred, the Travelsavers mantra holds: “We’re always focused on quality versus quantity.”

With Porter’s announced code share with AA and a 25% increase in capacity to the sun, President Kevin Jackson says “we kind of doubled down, going even deeper, because those sun regions are doing well.”

Air Canada EVP & CCO and President Cargo Mark Galardo shares insights into the game-changing A321XLR and what it means for the airline’s future. Note: AC will reveal new cabin & lounge design in JAN 2026 not at the end of 2025.

Justin French, Carnival’s Regional VP, Canada & Northern US, joined Nina Slawek on the Pink Couch to talk about the growth in private islands. Carnival Corp. has invested over $600 million into Celebration Key and is currently expanding it. Is it successful? French says “we’ve already carried half a million people to Celebration key”.