November 03, 2026 // Franchising.com // Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Dream Vacations honored top-performing travel advisors during its annual awards ceremony aboard Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas. Hosted by Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager, and Joelle Delva, vice president of operations, the event celebrated franchise owners, advisors, and community leaders whose achievements continue to strengthen the network.
The Franchise of the Year Award was renamed the Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year Award in memory of beloved franchise owner Bobbye Haupt, who passed away in September 2021. Bobbye led by example, inspired countless advisors, and left a lasting legacy throughout the Dream Vacations network.
Under the leadership of franchise owner Jessica Slater, Jessica Slater & Associates was recognized as this year's Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year.
"When I heard my name and applause, I just felt the sea of love because I know how much this award means to everyone onboard and at home," said Jessica Slater. "Dream Vacations is my home, a welcoming one where I was able to focus that passion for travel and truly transform my life and the lives of those I love."
Based in Acworth, Ga., Slater has spent 26 years in the travel industry building a business focused on luxury travel, destination weddings, honeymoons, group travel, and customized vacation experiences. Her dedication to personalized service and client relationships has helped establish Jessica Slater & Associates as one of the network's most recognized agencies.
Jessica Slater & Associates has earned Circle of Excellence honors, recognizing the highest levels of sales achievement within the Dream Vacations network, every year since 2022. The agency continues to lead through strong sales performance, marketing excellence, and advisor engagement. Slater has also been recognized as a Top Agent for Land Sales, Top Agent for Sandals and Beaches, and has been named Best Travel Agency in Acworth for four consecutive years.
Dream Vacations also recognized John Burdge as the 2026 Rookie of the Year, honoring a new franchise owner who has demonstrated exceptional growth, engagement, and commitment to service excellence during his first year in the network.
Based in Yountville, Calif., Burdge draws on his Napa Valley roots to create wine-focused vacations, luxury river cruises, and curated culinary experiences. His expertise includes customized Bordeaux, Tuscany, Rhine, and Danube itineraries featuring private tastings, insider access, and memorable experiences for wine and food enthusiasts.
“Winning Rookie of the Year is incredibly humbling,” said Burdge. “When I joined Dream Vacations, I made a commitment to stay curious, ask questions, and take advantage of every resource available to me. The support from headquarters, fellow franchise owners, and supplier partners has been remarkable. This recognition is proof that when you embrace the learning process and put in the work, great things can happen.”
Dream Vacations expanded its awards program in 2026 with new honors celebrating standout leadership and sales achievement across the network. Among the awards making their debut this year are:
First-time honors included:
Selected by Brad Tolkin, the Chairman’s Award for Excellence honors franchise owners who have built exceptional travel businesses through strategic leadership, innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement. The award recognizes entrepreneurial excellence and celebrates those who set a standard for business success within the Dream Vacations network. The Top Sales Decade Award is a milestone recognition honoring the franchise agency that has consistently achieved the network’s No. 1 sales ranking over the past 10 years.
Dream Vacations also named Dawn Nowlan of Nowlan Travel by Dream Vacations in Charlotte, Mich., as its 2026 Conference Godmother, recognizing her exceptional engagement within the network and commitment to supporting fellow franchise owners. A former OPAL Award recipient recognized for Outstanding Performance and Leadership, Nowlan is known throughout the network for her leadership, mentorship, community service and dedication to creating opportunities for advisors to connect, learn and support one another.
Throughout the ceremony, Dream Vacations also celebrated advisors for achievements in sales, marketing, public relations, social media, technology and business development. Additional recognition honored top producers, milestone anniversaries, advisory council service and franchise owners whose leadership continues to strengthen the network.
Those passionate about travel and entrepreneurship who would like to be part of a travel agency network that invests in its advisors and supports their success should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn more about owning a Dream Vacations franchise.
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients— all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
SOURCE Dream Vacations
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