This year’s TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards included the induction of two outstanding leaders into the Canadian Travel Hall of Fame.
One of the two inductees for 2025 is Mike Foster.
Mike Foster, TravelPulse Canada Readers' Choice Awards 2025 Hall of Fame (Photo Credit: Jason Lee)
His 45-year career started at a travel agency and built up to the position of president at Nexion Travel Group - Canada, and included serving as a board member of both the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) and the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).
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Over his tenure in the industry, Foster has witnessed and been a part of seismic shifts, what he refers to as “remarkable transformations,” with each technological wave bringing greater impact than the previous one.
“I started in an era of telephone calls, paper manuals, and handwritten tickets—a time when building relationships and having product knowledge were our primary competitive advantages.” he says.
Mike Foster receives Canadian Travel Hall of Fame award from Natasha Lair-McKenty, managing editor, TravelPulse Canada (Photo Credit: Jason Lee)
Automation through computer systems was the first fundamental change, which paved the way for the Internet and software developments.
“And now, perhaps the most exciting evolution yet stands at our doorstep with AI. I'm genuinely thrilled for the industry's future—I believe tomorrow's travel consultant will provide even better service levels, derive more satisfaction from their work, and enjoy greater rewards for their expertise,” Foster enthuses.
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He has lived through challenges in what he refers to as his “charmed life,” including the repeated prediction of the demise of the role of the travel advisor.
“These predictions have proven not just wrong, but spectacularly so. The value of skilled travel advisors has never been greater, though our focus has evolved,” Foster says.
When asked about being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Foster is humble, calling it a “complete surprise.”
“To be honest, I've never thought of myself as someone worthy of such recognition.
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Throughout my 45 years in travel, I've simply been doing work I love alongside remarkable people. When I look at past recipients, I see industry giants whose contributions seem so much more significant than mine,” he says.
Reflecting on what makes this honour especially meaningful, Foster cites receiving it in front of peers and colleagues—people whose opinions and expertise he deeply respects.
Hall of Fame recipient, Mike Foster, retired president of Nexion Canada (Photo Credit: Jason Lee)
“Being acknowledged for my contributions with them as witnesses means everything to me,” he says.
“I felt a mix of pride, gratitude, and a genuine sense of humility when they announced my name. Having my family there to witness it was particularly special—they're the ones who keep me grounded and remind me daily that no achievement matters without the people you share it with. They've been there through every challenge and triumph, and this recognition belongs to them as much as it does to me.”
Throughout his career, Foster has lived through inevitable economic downturns, global crises, and industry disruptions.
“No one promised this business would be easy, but I was always taught that rewards come to those who put in the effort— something that came naturally to me,” he says.
He takes the view that such challenges have made the industry more resilient and ultimately better.
“The travel professional's greatest strength has always been adaptability,” he says.
Despite the current uncertainty in travel and tourism, Foster is certain this too shall pass.
“I truly believe this industry has so much to look forward to. The world needs more travel, and it’s best experienced when planned by a travel professional,” he says.
Check out the 2025 TravelPulse Canada Readers’ Choice Awards Digital Guide to celebrate and relive this great night in the Canadian travel industry!
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