Anderson Vacations’ general manager wants to introduce travellers to his former backyard. Andres Reinoso joined the tour operator two years ago, following a lengthy tourism industry tenure in his native Ecuador, working with inbound tour companies, DMCs and travel agencies, work he notes enabled him to experience much of South America.
“My work expertise centres on the vibrant and wild South American region, including Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Colombia and Argentina,” says Reinoso, who moved to Canada three years ago. “I have had the privilege of leading tours in Ecuador and Peru. Throughout my career, I have embraced roles such as sales and operations manager and managing director at various tour operators and DMCs in my home country. We aim to reach new markets beyond North America and expand our offerings to include South America, harnessing my Latin American background, experience and valuable connections in the industry.”
Reinoso notes Anderson Vacations — which has a nationwide Canada program — has been in business over 30 years, labelling it a respected and award-winning boutique tour operator specializing in Canadian operations and unique travel products.
2008 saw the company expand its destination and product portfolio to include the South Pacific, with Reinoso reporting that his employer has built a sizeable presence in that part of the world, having itineraries covering all regions of Australia, New Zealand, and iconic South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands.
“Many destinations in the South Pacific share characteristics and travel styles similar to those in Canada,” Reinoso continues. “As a result, we have adapted our sustainable and immersive tourism model for the South Pacific, providing a wide range of unique experiences. This includes exploring non-traditional destinations off the beaten path and incorporating Indigenous tourism elements.
“We recognize that many great tour operators have provided travel experiences in the South Pacific for years. However, most of them are generalists, offering tours worldwide. In contrast, (internationally) we specialize exclusively in the South Pacific, the only international region we sell for now. As Canadian and South Pacific travel experts, we offer unique itineraries, remote-off-the-beaten destinations, and authentic Indigenous experiences tailored for small or custom groups and independent travellers. This combination is rare in the market. We are not a massive tour operator; we prioritize the traveller experience and outstanding service to our clients.”
Reinoso says many bucket lists include Australia, New Zealand, and various exotic islands, locations he says provide a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience unique sights around the world. Canadians and Americans often plan trips to the South Pacific in advance, considering the long way to get there, ensuring they allocate time to explore these incredible destinations. We assist them in curating their dream trips and ensuring they receive the value they deserve, as travelling to these places can be costly. The South Pacific is an excellent choice for escaping much of North America’s winter while creating unforgettable memories. “
Travellers visiting Australia for the first time often opt for the East Coast route from Sydney to Cairns. But Reinoso adds that there has been significant interest in multi-stop independent tours, including popular destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Ayers Rock, and tropical North Queensland. “Our train tours and Tasmania also attract essential engagement due to their uniqueness.”
Two-week packages covering both the North and South Islands are popular for those looking to explore New Zealand. “These trips offer a chance to experience everything from untamed wilderness to rich cultural experiences. Top destinations include Queenstown, Mount Cook, Abel Tasman, Rotorua, and Auckland,” Reinoso reports. “For a more relaxed vacation, Fiji and Tahiti offer ideal escapes. These destinations are known for their beautiful natural environments and strong cultural elements, providing delightful culinary experiences perfect for couples and families.”
Reinoso says he’s confident that Anderson Vacations is on the right track.
“Every journey has challenges and opportunities, and Anderson has faced those, but we have pivoted in the right direction,” he says. “Nowadays, there are all kinds of travel suppliers on the market, and the oversaturation of online advertisements can become overwhelming to clients who need to decide. We have seen more concentration of travel group holdings after the pandemic, which is concerning. Sometimes, competing with reduced budgets is difficult, but the travel trade and clients have received our solid value proposition as a positive alternative.”
Meanwhile, Reinoso says those who work in tourism should be proud to be part of it.
“The tourism industry is the friendliest, and its impact on local economies and people is more responsible and transparent,” he adds. “Anderson Vacations is committed to giving back and preserving the planet, so we partnered with Trees4Travel in 2023 to plant trees and offset our carbon footprint. We plan trees on behalf of our clients, and they can also plan more independently. We are reconciliation partners supporting Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Destination fund with regular contributions. Our central vision is to make a difference in what we do and offer at the destinations we sell, giving the traveller the option to positively impact The People they will meet, The Planet and its Conservation, contributing to the local communities they will visit, promoting The Place, and respecting the culture and traditions of the locals.”
