ERIC RODRIGUEZ
ON
Summary
Transformational travel executive with 25+ years of leadership across Canada’s largest tour operators, driving enterprise growth, integration, and profitability. Currently Executive Vice President at Sunwing Travel Group, leading WestJet Vacations integration while directing commercial strategy and supplier partnerships across 800+ hotels and three major vacation brands. Recognized for shaping Sunwing’s rise to Canada’s #1 tour operator and the world’s largest Cuba tourism provider, while launching the Blue Diamond Resorts hotel portfolio. Proven ability to align cross-functional teams, deliver commercial impact through supplier economics and government partnerships, and build strategic relationships that expand markets across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Vice President, Partner Development
SUNWING TRAVEL GROUP
01.2011 - Current
- Lead strategic sourcing, commercial operations, and supplier partnerships for Canada's premier tour operator.
- Manage integration and procurement strategy for Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations, and Vacation Express (USA), with commercial accountability for procurement operations and departmental budgets impacting the profitability of WestJet's vacation division.
- Directed supplier strategy for 800+ hotel partnerships across Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America, optimizing cost of goods sold and margin performance.
- Established Sunwing as Canada’s #1 tour operator and world’s largest tourism provider to Cuba through exclusive partnerships and destination expansion.
- Secured $50M+ annually in government contributions and marketing subsidies, directly enhancing profitability and funding growth campaigns.
- Generated $70M in crisis management savings during COVID-19 through supplier renegotiations, contract restructuring, and payment deferrals.
- Created and launched Blue Diamond Resorts, establishing Royalton, Memories, and Mystique hotel brands, diversifying revenue streams.
- Transformed working capital by shifting supplier payment terms from 7-day prepay to 60-day post-invoice, strengthening cash flow.
- Spearheaded integration of WestJet Vacations, harmonizing contracts and leveraging purchasing power across three brands.
- Directed a 40+ member team with responsibility for budgets, forecasts, and compensation planning.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Finance, Marketing, Payload, and People & Culture to ensure profitability, operational efficiency, and cultural alignment.
- Maintained senior-level relationships with hotel principals, government officials, and tourism boards across all regions.
Senior Director, Product Development Europe
TRANSAT TOURS CANADA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Managed and contracted European and Central American programs, leading supplier relationships and pricing strategy across multiple destinations.
- Secured $25M+ in government subsidies and marketing funds through strategic partnerships with tourism boards and government officials.
- Expanded Transat’s European program into new destinations, building supplier networks and launching market growth initiatives.
- Directed a team of 10+ professionals across multiple countries while serving on the succession planning committee.
President
TRAVEL MARKET SOLUTIONS
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Founded and grew consultancy representing 50+ Caribbean hotels in North America.
- Pioneered VIP All-Inclusive packages and launched destination wedding products, creating new revenue streams.
- Built partnerships with major tour operators across Canada, USA, and Europe while providing market positioning strategies to hotel owners.
Product Manager
CANADA 3000 HOLIDAYS
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Managed Caribbean and European hotel portfolio with $200M+ in contracts and secured $8M+ in marketing revenue.
- Introduced European program to new markets, establishing supplier networks and driving growth.
Destination Supervisor
NORTH AMERICAN LEISURE GROUP
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Supervised airport operations and ground services across Caribbean and European destinations.
- Led Canadian passenger services in Rome for European cruise embarkations, overseeing logistics and guest relations.
Education
Hospitality Program - Customer Experience & Service Excellence
Walt Disney World Co.
Lake Buena Vista, FL01.1996
Diploma of College Studies - Management, International Hospitality Management Program
LaSalle College
01.1995
Diploma of College Studies - Communications, Creative Arts Program
Dawson College
01.1993
Languages
English
French
Spanish
Italian
Community Leadership
Co-Founder, Driving for Change, 01/01/23, Present, Raised $200,000+ for child trafficking prevention through corporate partnerships and fundraising events.
Timeline
Executive Vice President, Partner Development
SUNWING TRAVEL GROUP
01.2011 - Current
Senior Director, Product Development Europe
TRANSAT TOURS CANADA
01.2008 - 01.2010
President
TRAVEL MARKET SOLUTIONS
01.2001 - 01.2008
Product Manager
CANADA 3000 HOLIDAYS
01.1998 - 01.2001
Destination Supervisor
NORTH AMERICAN LEISURE GROUP
01.1996 - 01.1998
Diploma of College Studies - Management, International Hospitality Management Program
LaSalle College
Diploma of College Studies - Communications, Creative Arts Program
Dawson College
Hospitality Program - Customer Experience & Service Excellence
Walt Disney World Co.
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