Shelley Cota, owner of Lacombe, Alberta’s Shelley’s Sun & Sand Travel, recently marked a decade in business with a special celebration at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Drawing over 100 guests—including clients, friends, and industry partners—this milestone event became one of the community’s standout occasions.
Located just 25 kilometers north of Red Deer, Lacombe is a small city of about 13,000 people, making the turnout a testament to the agency’s strong local reputation. “It was a wonderful chance to reconnect and reflect on the journey so far,” said Cota, who leads a dedicated team of eight committed to helping Albertans realize their travel dreams.
The event was graced by several key supplier partners, including John Fallon from RIT, Kent Phillips from HX Expeditions, Ana Santa Maria from G Adventures, Leslie Schaff from Globus Family of Brands, Suzanne Morgan from Air Canada Vacations, Teresa Villanueva from Sandals/Beaches, and Jason V. Gignac from Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Their presence underscored the high quality and strong sales performance of the agency.
Cota, a respected member of The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND), has received numerous awards at TTAND conferences and is clearly a favorite among peers, as evidenced by the enthusiastic applause she receives when recognized.
“The evening was filled with good conversation, cake, champagne, and lots of appreciation for the people who’ve supported us over the past decade,” Cota shared. “We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and are looking forward to what’s next.”
