by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:55 AM ET, Thu March 13, 2025
After nearly a decade at the helm of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA), Wendy Paradis has announced her retirement.
A respected advocate for advisors and agencies, Paradis will step down later this year once a successor is found but will remain in a consulting role throughout 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.
Legacy of Leadership
Paradis gained national recognition for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she played a critical role in securing government support for agencies and advisors. Her relentless advocacy efforts helped stabilize the industry during one of its most challenging periods.
Under her guidance, ACTA strengthened its advocacy efforts, ensuring that travel agencies and advisors had a seat at the table.
She spearheaded initiatives that addressed regulatory challenges, such as ensuring fair compensation for advisors and advocating for streamlined licensing and compliance requirements.
“The past nine years as ACTA’s President have been filled with tremendous opportunities and at times, significant industry challenges. I have been fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated ACTA team and a strong National Board of Directors,” said Paradis.
She continued, “I’m proud of the Canadian and global travel and tourism industry collaborations we have built and I’m confident by working together our industry will continue to have tremendous success!”
Industry Impact
Paradis joined ACTA in 2016, quickly establishing herself as a champion for advisors. She has been instrumental in advancing professional development, certification programs, and advocacy efforts that have strengthened the sector.
In addition to her work at ACTA, she has represented Canada globally as a board member and the current Chair of the World Travel Agency Association Alliance (WTAAA).
ACTA Board Chair Monica Johnstone praised Paradis’ leadership and impact on the industry. “Working with Wendy over the past few years has been both an honour and a privilege. Her leadership, at all times, but most especially during the pandemic, has been nothing short of amazing.
"Through it all she has led with professionalism and empathy for all industry stakeholders,” Johnstone said.
“She has addressed issues that needed to be dealt with and is leaving the industry in a much better place. The ACTA Board, staff and industry are losing an icon. Wendy will be missed but we wish her the best for the next chapter.”
Paradis’ career in the Canadian travel and tourism industry spans four decades. She began as a travel advisor with Eaton’s Travel before moving into leadership roles with Thomas Cook Travel, Marlin Travel, and CAA Travel South Central Ontario.
Before joining ACTA, she was Senior Vice President at the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC), where she honed her expertise in education, professional development, and advocacy.
As she prepares for her next chapter, the travel sector will no doubt continue to benefit from the foundation she helped build.
Search for New ACTA President
The ACTA Board of Directors has engaged executive search firm PSG Leadership to find Paradis’ successor.
The position will be posted on the ACTA website in the coming days.
Topics From This Article to Explore
