Ken Mann

Travel Industry Veteran & House of Travel Owner

Ken Mann
ken@hot.ca

A Lifelong Passion for Travel

For Ken Mann, travel has always been more than just a career—it’s a lifelong passion. From childhood road trips across Canada to backpacking through Europe in his youth, Ken’s love for exploring the world led him to spend over two years studying in Sweden and France. That deep-rooted passion made transitioning into the travel industry a natural fit.

From Bold Beginnings to Industry Leadership

In 1988, with zero experience in the travel industry but a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Ken took a leap of faith and purchased House of Travel. Over the past 38 years, he has successfully grown the business, both organically and through acquisitions, into a well-diversified agency recognized for excellence in corporate, leisure, specialty group, incentive, and ethnic travel.

Under Ken’s leadership, House of Travel has achieved several prestigious milestones, including:

  • Recognition as an Air Canada Circle of Excellence agency
  • Becoming a top-producing member of the travel consortium Ensemble
  • Establishing a reputation as a trusted partner for corporate incentive travel and customized sports travel experiences

Expertise in Group, Corporate, and Sports Travel

Ken and his team specialize in customized travel experiences tailored to the unique needs of their clients. House of Travel excels in:

  • Corporate Incentive Travel – Rewarding top employees and strengthening business relationships through unforgettable travel experiences.
  • Specialized Group Travel – From destination weddings to corporate retreats and cultural tours, every detail is meticulously planned.
  • Sports Travel – Offering made-to-measure European cultural and sports experiences for hockey and ringette teams, ensuring seamless logistics and memorable competitions abroad.

A Client-First Philosophy

Ken believes in building strong, long-term relationships with clients by truly understanding their needs. Whether a traveler comes with a fully-formed itinerary or needs guidance from start to finish, House of Travel is committed to delivering 24/7 availability, expert advice, and white-glove service. No request is too big or too small—every client receives personalized attention.

Industry Impact & Adaptability

Over the years, Ken has played an active role in shaping the travel industry. His contributions include:

  • Serving 10+ years as a board director for the former consortium Advantage Travel
  • Attending numerous industry conferences hosted by Ensemble and Air Canada
  • Navigating major industry shifts, from airline commission cuts in the 90s to the rise of online travel, all while growing his business by offering the expertise and personal touch that today’s travelers value.

Memorable Travel Moments & Personal Highlights

Ken has had the privilege of organizing and experiencing some incredible travel moments, including:

  • A pre-Olympic hockey tournament in Sochi, exploring the Olympic facilities before the 2014 Winter Games.
  • A bucket-list African safari in Kenya and Tanzania, one of his most unforgettable adventures.

Looking Ahead: The Future of House of Travel

Ken’s vision for the next five years includes:

  • Leveraging new technologies to enhance service and efficiency.
  • Expanding group and incentive travel, capitalizing on the growing demand for tailored, high-value travel experiences.
  • Staying nimble in an ever-evolving industry, adapting to market changes while maintaining the personalized service that has been the foundation of House of Travel’s success.

A Trusted Leader in Travel

With nearly four decades of experience, Ken Mann continues to lead House of Travel with the same enthusiasm and commitment that inspired him to enter the industry. His dedication to service, innovation, and the human connection behind every journey has cemented his reputation as a trusted travel expert.

Looking for expert guidance on your next corporate, group, or sports travel experience?