The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors' (ACTA) Canadian Travel Industry Summits, taking place in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal this fall, kicked off on September 11 at the Toronto Congress Centre.
“The future is bright. Canadians are travelling. They’re going farther and they're staying longer,” said newly appointed ACTA president, Suzanne Acton-Gervais, taking over for Wendy Paradis, who announced her retirement earlier this year.
“The future is bright. Canadians are travelling. They’re going farther and they're staying longer,” said newly appointed ACTA president, Suzanne Acton-Gervais (Photo Credit: Sabrina Pirillo)
Five hundred fifty attendees engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, a Grand Tradeshow featuring the largest number of exhibitors to date (120), an awards ceremony and a cocktail reception.
Even the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, sent a message recognizing the Summit.
“It’s my distinct pleasure to welcome the professionals gathered here today for the 2025 Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit. This conference offers a timely and valuable opportunity to engage with emerging trends and further explore the evolving landscape of travel and tourism.”
Gervais reinforced this sentiment during her inaugural keynote session: “I'm very proud of what we do. We represent and serve and lead the members, and we educate, we advocate, we promote and we connect. And this is exactly what that's doing today.”
550 attendees engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, a Grand Tradeshow , an awards ceremony and a cocktail reception. (Photo Credit: Sabrina Pirillo)
“This is my fifteenth Summit. I’m a huge supporter of ACTA because education is very important, and the biggest trend I found today is everybody feels positive,” added Marianne Vogel, CTC, Just for You Travel & Consulting.
Where Are Canadians Travelling?
The number one travel destination for Canadians in 2025 is Canada.
“Canadians are rediscovering the beauty of our nation, and that's creating powerful opportunities for advisors and suppliers alike,” said Gervais.
ACTA president, Suzanne Acton-Gervais (Photo Credit: Sabrina Pirillo)
Canadians are continuing to seek out sun destinations, with the Caribbean and Mexico leading the pack.
Europe is expected to continue thriving into 2026, with a strong opportunity to promote the shoulder season.
There is renewed demand for destinations like Japan, Thailand and China, with an 18% rise in bookings compared to 2024.
Who’s Travelling?
- Higher-income Baby Boomers are investing in bucket list trips and multi-generational experiences, budgeting $20 to $30,000 per year on exciting travel
- Solo Women travellers are prioritizing culture, wellness and safety
- Older Gen Xers in their fifties with substantial financial resources
- Bleisure travellers are combining work and leisure and investing in curated, premium experiences
Forecasting 2026
Consumer confidence declined in 2025, hovering near neutral, as a lack of firm policies regarding tariffs and the potential long-term impact on the Canadian economy weighed it down.
Air travel to the US is down 17%, while road trips are down 37%. However, overseas air travel is up between 7% and 9% compared to 2024.
The demand for travel is resilient, and projections indicate momentum will continue into 2026 with moderate to strong growth.
The ACTA Summit brought industry leaders together to discuss a myriad of topics. (Photo Credit: Sabrina Pirillo)
Overseas travel is up in 2025, with Europe and Asia sustaining steady demand.
Canadian airlines and tour operators will continue to add seats to Mexico and the Caribbean for winter 2026.
By 2027, conditions should stabilize.
The Bank of Canada projects 1.8% growth, inflation trending towards the target, and a strengthening global tourism sector.
In 2024, Business Travel spending reached $36.5 billion, a 15% increase. This year, $44.3 billion is projected, representing an additional 18% increase.
Tips for Travel Advisors
- Book sun destinations early. Secure peak dates for Mexico and Caribbean
- Pay close attention to new Country Entry/Exit requirements: Carefully advise clients on passports, visas and unique policies, especially with numerous changes underway
- Promote shoulder-season travel: encourage spring and fall
- Travel Insurance: it’s crucial that travellers have the appropriate coverage in place
Summit Discussions
The ACTA Summit brought industry leaders together to discuss a myriad of topics.
Keynote sessions included AI coaching by Michael Drever, CEO of BranchUp, offering insights on how agents can continually build rapport with their clients while leveraging AI to create the tools necessary for delivering exceptional customer service.
The message was, “Technology will never replace you."
Beverly Beuermann-King, Workplace Culture and Resiliency Expert, spoke about Building Resilience and Overcoming Burnout, which was well-received.
“This is my first ACTA summit, and I really enjoyed the session about burnout and how to combat stress,” said independent travel advisor Karen Livingstone, Onvigo.
Air Canada’s session included the promotion of their newly launched incentive program, Air Canada & ME. (Photo Credit: Sabrina Pirillo)
The panel discussion on "Collaborative Strategies for Building a Successful Travel Business" was moderated by Melanie Carter, ACTA Board, Carmel Escapes, with panel members Christine James, VP, Travel Leaders Network, Brian Robertson, Direct Travel, Gail Donovan, Beyond the Beach Travel, and Shalene Dudley, Latitude Concierge Travels.
“We’re seeing an unprecedented long-term booking trend unlike any other year, so be prepared,” said James.
Educational Breakout sessions covered everything from social media strategies and essential tools to hidden gems. Air Canada’s session included the promotion of their newly launched incentive program, Air Canada & ME.
2025 ACTA Award Winners:
2025 ACTA members (Photo Credit: Sabrina Pirillo)
Leisure Travel Advisor Award
Winner: Barry Davis, Transat Travel Shaganappi, Calgary, AB
Corporate Travel Advisor Award
Winner: Marie Cotsopoulos, Direct Travel, Toronto, ON
Tomorrow’s Leader Award
Winner: Sarah Campbell-Krausert, Uniglobe Carefree Travel, Saskatoon, SK
Ches Chard Education Award
Winner: Kali Gray, Trevello Travel Group, Winnipeg, MB
CTC/CTM Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Czarina Sastaunik CTC, Uniglobe Carefree Travel, Saskatoon, SK
Gerald Heifetz Advocacy Award
Winner: Liz Fleming, North South Travel
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