ACTA Membership Manager Promotion Signals Strategic Growth for Canadian Travel Industry
The Canadian travel industry has received significant news with ACTA’s membership manager promotion of Lesley Berry, marking a strategic leadership advancement at the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies. Based in Mississauga, ACTA has announced Berry’s elevation from Membership Coordinator to Membership Manager, recognizing her exceptional contributions over three years and positioning the organization for enhanced member support and industry advocacy.
Berry’s Extensive Travel Industry Background
Lesley Berry brings a comprehensive understanding of travel industry operations to her new leadership position. Her diverse career portfolio includes roles as a travel advisor, flight attendant, hospitality and tourism instructor, and Disney specialist. This multifaceted experience provides Berry with unique insights into various aspects of the travel ecosystem, from frontline customer service to specialized destination expertise and educational training.
Her progression within ACTA demonstrates the organization’s commitment to developing internal talent while ensuring continuity in member relationships. During her tenure as Membership Coordinator, Berry established herself as a trusted advocate for Canadian travel professionals, building strong relationships across the industry and developing innovative approaches to member engagement.
Industry Leadership Recognition and Support
Suzanne Acton-Gervais, President of ACTA, emphasized the strategic importance of Berry’s promotion, stating, “Lesley’s industry experience, strong relationships, and dedication to our members make her a natural fit for this role.” This endorsement reflects ACTA’s confidence in Berry’s ability to navigate the complex challenges facing today’s travel industry while maintaining focus on member needs and professional development.
The promotion comes at a critical time for the Canadian travel sector, as agencies continue adapting to evolving consumer behaviours, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Berry’s comprehensive industry background positions her well to understand these challenges from multiple perspectives and develop targeted solutions for ACTA members.
Vision for Enhanced Member Advocacy
In her new role, Berry has articulated a clear vision for advancing ACTA’s membership manager promotion objectives. “Being part of the membership team means connecting with our members, advocating on their behalf, and promoting the important work they do in an ever-changing industry. I’m proud to continue building momentum with ACTA and supporting our members every step of the way,” Berry stated.
This member-centric approach aligns with current industry trends toward increased personalization and support services. As travel agencies face pressure from online booking platforms and changing consumer preferences, professional associations like ACTA play crucial roles in providing advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities that help independent agents compete effectively.
ACTA’s Strategic Position in Canadian Travel
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies represents thousands of travel professionals nationwide, serving as the unified voice for Canadian travel agencies in government relations, industry negotiations, and professional standards development. ACTA’s influence extends beyond simple membership services to include legislative advocacy, educational programs, and industry research initiatives.
Berry’s promotion strengthens ACTA’s capacity to deliver enhanced value to members through improved communication strategies, targeted advocacy efforts, and expanded professional development opportunities. Her understanding of both operational challenges and customer service excellence enables her to bridge the gap between association leadership and frontline travel professionals.
Future Implications for Travel Agency Leadership
This membership manager promotion reflects broader trends in travel industry leadership development, emphasizing the value of diverse experience and internal career advancement. Berry’s progression from coordinator to manager demonstrates ACTA’s commitment to nurturing talent while ensuring leadership continuity and institutional knowledge retention.
As the travel industry continues evolving, organizations like ACTA must balance traditional advocacy roles with emerging needs for digital transformation support, sustainability guidance, and crisis management resources. Berry’s comprehensive background positions her to understand these multifaceted challenges and develop innovative solutions that serve ACTA members effectively in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
