TORONTO — Celebrating 25 years of remarkable achievement, RIT Vacations credits its enduring success to the dedication of its team and strong partnerships with travel advisors. Ian Duffy, the company’s founder and president, emphasized the significance of both groups during an interview prior to the company’s anniversary celebration at Noonan’s pub in Toronto.
“The staff we’ve had over the 25 years have been brilliant. We’ve been very lucky. Some of them have been with us for over a decade, while others have been around for as long as twenty years. Their contributions have been instrumental to our success,” Duffy shared with Travelweek. “I also want to express my gratitude to our travel trade partners, who welcomed us from the beginning. Our accomplishments would not have been possible without their hard work and trust.”
As the Director of Sales, Jonathan Sargeant, along with Sales Manager John Fallon, highlighted, the company is taking proactive steps to mark its quarter-century milestone. A recent Ontario roadshow visited London, Hamilton, and Oshawa to showcase RIT’s offerings alongside those from 14 partnered travel products. During the roadshow, attendees had the chance to win a spectacular trip to Ireland valued at $8,000, which included round-trip flights with Air Transat.
More exciting roadshows are planned for early 2026, along with a series of webinars in the spring featuring partners from the UK and Ireland, complete with enticing prizes.
Founded in 2001, RIT Vacations began its journey in the challenging aftermath of 9/11. “Many people probably thought we were a bit crazy,” Duffy remarked. “But as we all know, the travel industry is very resilient.” This year marks Duffy’s personal milestone, celebrating 50 years in the travel industry.
In 2002, RIT issued its first brochure, promoting 15 scheduled coach tours, of which 12 took place successfully. Fast forward to 2026, and the company boasts more than 250 scheduled departures, most of which are projected to sell out.
The success of RIT’s new Devon & Cornwall tour in 2025 prompted the addition of several more departures for the itinerary in 2026. This expansion includes seven new UK tours, such as the 12-day North Coast & Islands tour, which features stays on the breathtaking Isle of Skye, Isle of Lewis, and the Orkney Islands.
Highlighting RIT’s Canadian ownership and family operation, Duffy expressed that this element significantly contributes to their success. His four children actively participate in the business, with Conor Duffy as VP, Sinéad managing reservations, Ronan handling operations in RIT’s Dublin office, and Lorcan overseeing the company’s finances.
The combination of passionate staff, supportive travel partners, and a commitment to quality travel experiences has established RIT Vacations as a cornerstone in the travel industry. With a strong focus on community and dedication to expanding their offerings, the company looks forward to continuing its legacy and serving travelers for years to come. For more information on RIT Vacations and its diverse range of travel packages, visit RIT Vacations and explore the exciting opportunities available.
