President’s Message: One Voice. One Industry. One Strong Future.

Advocacy is often described as the “game of inches.” Meaningful progress rarely happens overnight. It takes time, tenacity, credibility, and relationship-building to move the needle on the issues that matter most to our members and our industry. 

At ACTA, we understand that effective advocacy is built on persistence. It means showing up consistently, earning a seat at the table, engaging decision-makers, and ensuring that the voices of Canada's travel agencies and travel advisors are heard whenever policies and regulations that affect our profession are being considered. 

Over the past several months, ACTA has continued to advocate on behalf of its members through submissions and representations to federal and provincial governments, as well as ongoing engagement with industry partners and stakeholders. Whether advocating for fair and balanced consumer protection frameworks, addressing airline policies and practices, helping to combat fraud, or ensuring policymakers understand the critical role that travel agencies and travel advisors play in Canada's economy and tourism sector, ACTA continues to represent the interests of our members with professionalism, credibility, and determination. 

ACTA's advocacy efforts also extend beyond our borders. As a Board member of the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), I remain actively engaged in discussions on issues affecting travel agencies and travel advisors at the international level. Last week, I also attended the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference, strengthening ACTA's relationships with global industry partners and association leaders. These engagements help extend ACTA's reach, foster collaboration, and ensure Canadian travel agencies and travel advisors are represented in important conversations shaping the future of our industry. 

Advocacy is not a one-time effort. It is a continuous commitment. Every conversation, every submission, every consultation, and every relationship contributes to long-term progress. While not every outcome is immediate or highly visible, meaningful change happens through consistent engagement and a strong, united voice. 

That collective voice has never been more important than it is today. 

Recent developments serve as an important reminder that our industry cannot take its success, influence, or relationships for granted. Travel agencies and travel advisors continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, professionalism, and adaptability in an environment that is constantly evolving. As I meet with members, supplier partners, government officials, and industry leaders, I am continually reminded of the critical role our members play in supporting travellers, driving economic activity, and strengthening the broader travel ecosystem. It is also why ACTA's work remains so important. During times of change, challenge, and opportunity, our members deserve a strong advocate, a trusted partner, and a unified voice. 

On May 26, ACTA's Annual General Meeting provided an important opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, review the progress we have made together, and look ahead to the future as we welcomed the ACTA Board of Directors for 2026–2027. For those interested in learning more about the association's activities and achievements over the past year, I encourage you to read the AGM Report.

This year's Board transition reflects both continuity and renewal. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the two Board members whose terms concluded this year. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment have contributed meaningfully to ACTA's success, and I am grateful for their ongoing engagement and support of our association and industry. 

I am also pleased to welcome our new Board members and congratulate those returning to serve another term. Together, they represent a strong and experienced group of industry leaders who bring diverse perspectives, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of ACTA members across Canada. I am also pleased to see increased representation from Quebec on the ACTA Board, with two Quebec-based directors serving this year. Their participation further strengthens our national perspective and ensures diverse regional voices contribute to our discussions and decision-making. 

In June, the Board will come together to begin shaping ACTA's strategic priorities for 2027–2029. This planning process represents an important opportunity to define our vision for the future and ensure ACTA remains focused on the issues, opportunities, and member needs that will shape the next chapter of our association and our industry. 

Our commitment to education and industry engagement continues to be one of ACTA's greatest strengths.  

Last week, we hosted another highly successful Immersive Destination Learning Experience in Los Cabos. The energy, enthusiasm, and collaboration demonstrated by participants and destination partners reinforced the tremendous value these experiences provide. Events like these help travel agencies and travel advisors strengthen their expertise, build meaningful relationships, and ultimately better serve their clients. 

The momentum continues next week as ACTA embarks on its Immersive Educational Expedition with Aurora Expeditions in Iceland’s Westfjords. I encourage our members to follow ACTA’s social media channels for updates and highlights from the experience. 

As we look toward the future, I encourage every travel professional to become actively involved in ACTA. 

Register for our upcoming Summits and educational events.
Renew your membership.
Refer a colleague.
And if you are not yet a member, join us. 

Membership is far more than a transaction. It is an investment in the future of our profession. It strengthens our advocacy efforts, supports industry-leading education, enhances professional credibility, and ensures that Canada's travel agencies and travel advisors continue to have a powerful voice where it matters most. 

ACTA's greatest strength has never been its programs, events, or advocacy efforts alone. It has always been its members. 

Every success we achieve, every relationship we build, every issue we advance, and every voice we amplify is possible because of the collective commitment of our membership. 

Now more than ever, our industry needs a strong, united voice. 

Together, we advocate.
Together, we learn.
Together, we lead.

And together, we will shape the future of Canada's travel industry. 

Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to ACTA and our industry. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and remain confident in ACTA's future - and in the future of our industry - because of the strength, professionalism, and commitment of our members.