As Canadians increasingly seek extended travel experiences, the travel industry is poised for moderate growth heading into 2026. This insight emerged during the recent ACTA conference in Spain, where key industry figures discussed the evolving dynamics affecting travel advisors in Canada. ACTA members represented a broad spectrum, encompassing 21,000 professionals and 6,000 independent travel advisors, emphasizing the necessity for unified representation in their sector.
Effective advocacy remains a cornerstone of ACTA’s mission, with many members citing it as their primary reason for joining the organization. During conversations with government officials, ACTA is focusing on five critical issues that directly impact travel advisors and their clients.
Key Issues for ACTA Advocacy
1. Credential Recognition and Travel Insurance
One of ACTA’s primary lobbying efforts is aimed at dismantling provincial barriers that hinder reciprocal recognition of credentials among travel advisors. This initiative includes advocating for advisors to sell travel insurance seamlessly across provinces, enhancing their service offerings.
2. Economic Relationships and Support for Advisors
The changing economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada is also a significant concern. Travel advisors whose businesses rely on popular destinations like Disney or U.S. port cruises have reported a drop in bookings. ACTA argues that these professionals should be eligible for retraining or financial support to navigate the downturn effectively.
3. Border Resilience Initiatives
ACTA is also pushing for the expansion of the Trusted Traveler Program to facilitate smoother border crossings for Canadians. This initiative would streamline the verification process and enhance the travel experience.
4. Airline Complaint Fees
In another proactive measure, ACTA is urging the elimination of the proposed $790 fee imposed by the Canadian Transportation Agency on airlines for handling complaints. The organization believes that such fees could dissuade foreign carriers from entering Canadian markets, reducing regional connectivity.
5. Commissions for Domestic Flights
With discussions continuing about allowing foreign airlines to conduct domestic operations in Canada, ACTA emphasizes that travel advisors must receive commission for these flights. This measure is vital for sustaining the livelihoods of industry professionals.
Ongoing Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies
Moreover, ACTA’s commitment to improving the travel landscape in Ontario was recently underscored during a strategic planning session with TICO President Richard Smart. The focus was on reviewing the Travel Industry Act and modernizing it to reflect current industry needs. Many industry stakeholders, including the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the Ontario Motorcoach Association (OMA), have expressed that the existing regulations are outdated.
Acton-Gervais reiterated the necessity for ongoing dialogue with provincial governments to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles. This collaboration is essential for ensuring fair treatment across the travel sector and adapting to the present-day demands of travel advisors.
Benefits of Shared Knowledge and Insights
The insights gained from these discussions are invaluable, not only for improving operational strategies among members but also for ensuring that ACTA stays connected to the evolving needs of its membership. This alignment fosters better advocacy and positions the travel industry for future success as Canadians continue to explore the world.
For more information on ACTA’s advocacy initiatives, visit their official website [ACTA](https://www.acta.ca) or learn more about the current travel landscape with the latest insights from the [Canadian Tourism Commission](https://www.canada.ca/en/services/tourism.html).
