ACV hosts third annual Women in Business event

It’s not often that women in business get the recognition they deserve, but Air Canada Vacations along with Air Canada continue to show their support through the annual Women in Business event.

Now in its third year, the gathering brings together travel industry colleagues to connect, learn, and inspire one another.

This year’s event took place at The Vue, a fitting location in Toronto’s airport district, as Air Canada Vacations celebrates 50 years of travel—a milestone few can claim. From its early days as Chart Air to Venturex, Touram, and eventually Air Canada Vacations in 1990, the company’s evolution reflects the growth and resilience of the industry and those women who contributed to its success.

Nicia Borralho, daughter of Ana Paula De Souza, Director, Sales Canada and Global Accounts at Air Canada opened the show with a lovely rendition of Firework, pictured with keynote speaker Brenda Andress, She Is, president/founder, One Day or Day One, Your Choice. 

The luncheon featured a mini panel with Rose Cosentino, V.P., global wholesale & retail sales at Playa Resorts and Dina Bertolo,V.P. product development at Air Canada Vacations who, guided by host Erminia Gallina, ACV’s director of sales, shared insights on their professional journeys. When asked what advice they would give their younger selves, their responses were clear: be confident, stand up for yourself, keep learning, and never stop growing.

What did we take away from today?

Women in the travel industry continually support and uplift each other by breaking barriers, sharing knowledge, and fostering a strong community. Women business leaders create environments where their colleagues feel empowered, encouraging confidence and pushing for greater representation in leadership.

Their collective strength is shaping a more inclusive industry and paving the way for future generations. We may have already known this, but the day was a powerful reminder of how just far we’ve come.