The ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies) Western Canada Travel Industry Summit recently took place in Richmond, B.C., attracting a record attendance of 300 travel advisors alongside 75 exhibitors, making it the largest ACTA event in Western Canada to date. With a sold-out crowd, the summit exemplifies the commitment and enthusiasm of professionals within the travel sector.
Last week’s sister event, the Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit held in Toronto, set a vibrant tone for the season, fostering energy, collaboration, learning, and engagement. This enthusiastic spirit was echoed at the Western Canada Summit, affirming the strength of ACTA’s community. As stated by Suzanne Acton-Gervais, ACTA President, “Our sold-out Summit is a true testament to the passion and dedication of our members, inspiring us to build a stronger, more resilient travel industry.”
Sponsors and Partners Elevate the Experience
This year’s summit was sponsored by industry giants, including Air Canada & Air Canada Vacations, Manulife, and Globus. Noteworthy destination sponsors included the Tourist Office of Spain, which added cultural flair with Flamenco dancers, and Brand USA, showcasing the rich diversity of travel experiences available in these regions.
Keynote Address: Enhancing Accessibility in Travel
The summit featured an insightful keynote address from Kerianne Wilson, Director of Customer Accessibility at Air Canada. She shed light on the importance of accessibility in travel and detailed recent enhancements in air travel related to inclusivity. Wilson provided travel advisors with essential tools and knowledge to better support clients with disabilities, highlighting innovative strategies that are transforming the landscape of accessible travel within Canada.
Future Events: ACTA Quebec Summit
Looking ahead, ACTA will transition to host the ACTA Quebec Canada Travel Industry Summit on October 1, 2024. This event will be held at the Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel, further extending the organization’s reach and commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the travel industry.
With strong attendance and significant engagement at both the Eastern and Western Canada summits, ACTA continues to position itself as a vital organization in enhancing and improving the travel industry landscape across Canada. As travel professionals and advocates gather to exchange ideas, the future looks promising for a more connected and resilient travel community.
