President’s Message: A Measured Voice in Changing Times

This week was National Tourism Week, a timely reminder that travel remains one of Canada’s most important economic and social drivers, connecting communities, supporting jobs, and strengthening Canada’s place in the world. I was pleased to participate in industry events including the Travel Industry Association of Canada’s Hill Day reception, where I met the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), along with parliamentarians and industry leaders, and to hear Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, speak at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Future of Business Summit. A recurring message was that the world needs more Canada.

Suzanne Acton-Gervais, President ACTA with Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

When it comes to trade Canada has much of what the world needs and in my personal view, its greatest asset is its people. And I never shy away from delivering the message that our members help connect Canadians to the world every day.

Travel is trade and an economic driver. Every day, ACTA members, airlines, and tour operators help move people across Canada and around the world, creating opportunity, supporting communities, and strengthening international connections. At the same time, our sector is navigating one of the most serious fuel challenges aviation has faced. We have spoken with our airline and tour operator partners, and while the international situation remains uncertain, all are closely monitoring developments as volatility continues across the travel supply chain.

This week, ACTA joined our partners at the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance in calling for greater transparency around airline-imposed surcharges. While recent fuel-related pressures required immediate responses across the sector, our position remains clear: if these increased costs become part of the medium- to longer-term cost structure, they should be reflected in ways that improve transparency and appropriately recognize the travel advisor distribution channel.

Advocacy also continues provincially. ACTA remains actively engaged on concerns related to insurance regulation in British Columbia, and our recent letter-writing campaign demonstrated the strength of our collective voice.

Amid many difficult discussions this month around trade, tariffs, and fuel, there was also a powerful contrast in seeing Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen alongside three American astronauts on the Artemis II mission — a reminder that progress depends on trust, cooperation, and strong human relationships. Those same values remain central to travel and to the work you do every day.

The trusted advice of a professional travel advisor has never been more important. When I met Zita Cobb, founder of Fogo Island Inn, this week and introduced myself and who I represented, she simply said: “You are very important people.”

That is why ACTA membership matters. In an evolving industry, our voice is strongest when we speak together.

Thank you for your professionalism, resilience, and continued commitment to ACTA and to travellers across Canada.

Suzanne Acton-Gervais
President & CEO, ACTA

2026-04-24 10:53:32

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