ACTA in ACTION - 2024 Advocacy Highlights

Dear ACTA Members,

As we reflect on 2024, I am pleased to report that the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors has made significant strides in advancing our industry's interests and supporting our members' success. Our unwavering commitment to advocacy, coupled with our strategic initiatives, has positioned ACTA as the preeminent voice for the Canadian travel industry.

Strategic Advocacy

In 2024, ACTA's advocacy efforts were laser-focused on critical areas that directly impact our members' operations and the broader travel ecosystem.

New Distribution Capability (NDC) Implementation

We have taken a proactive stance in addressing the complexities of NDC implementation:

• Orchestrated a successful campaign, in collaboration with ASTA and WTAAA, leading to American Airlines' withdrawal of their contentious NDC policy
• Facilitated high-level dialogues with Air Canada and WestJet executives to ensure a more seamless rollout of future NDC initiatives
• Represented Canadian interests at global IATA-Airline-Travel Agency Association meetings, influencing policy decisions at the highest levels

Travel Supplier Relations

Our efforts to foster mutually beneficial relationships with travel suppliers have yielded tangible results:

• Developed and validated an industry-leading set of best practices for travel suppliers
• Building a recognition program to incentivize adherence to these standards
• Engaged in ongoing, constructive dialogues with suppliers to address member concerns and optimize business practices

Regulatory Advocacy

ACTA has been at the forefront of shaping regulatory environments across Canada:

• In Ontario, we've spearheaded efforts to reform TICO and modernize the Ontario Travel Industry Act
• Engaged with the Insurance Council of BC and BCCP to alleviate financial burdens on our members
• Provided comprehensive education on new privacy laws in Quebec, ensuring our members' compliance and competitiveness

Federal Initiatives

At the federal level, ACTA has leveraged its influence to:

• Submit a compelling consultation to the Competition Bureau regarding airline competition in Canada
• Engage directly with the Canadian Transportation Agency on proposed changes to ancillary fee regulations, ensuring our members' voices are heard

Industry Intelligence

To empower our members with actionable insights, we've conducted:

• A comprehensive compensation study, providing invaluable industry benchmarks
• In-depth surveys on pressing issues, informing both our advocacy efforts and member strategies

Collaborative Platforms

ACTA's strength lies in our ability to unite diverse voices within our industry. Our collaborative platforms have been instrumental in shaping our advocacy agenda:

1. Travel Agency Leaders Advisory (TALA) This elite group of agency leaders has been pivotal in addressing high-level industry challenges and shaping ACTA's strategic direction.
2. Canadian Corporate Travel Advisory (CCTA) Focusing on the unique needs of the corporate travel sector, this group has provided invaluable insights into evolving business travel trends and requirements.
3. Independent Travel Advisor Committee (ITAC) Representing the growing segment of independent travel advisors, this committee has ensured that the specific needs of this dynamic group are addressed in our advocacy efforts.
4. Regional Advisory Groups These groups have been instrumental in identifying and addressing region-specific issues, ensuring that ACTA's advocacy efforts are tailored to local needs.
5. World Travel Advisors Associations Alliance (WTAAA) Our participation in this global alliance has amplified Canada's voice on the international stage, particularly in air travel matters.

Looking Ahead

As we chart our course for 2025, ACTA remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies and practices that foster the growth and prosperity of travel agencies and advisors across Canada. Our focus will continue to be on:

• Influencing governmental policies to create a more favorable business environment for our members
• Proactively addressing regulatory changes that could impact our industry
• Providing cutting-edge educational opportunities and resources to keep our members at the forefront of industry developments

Your engagement with ACTA's initiatives – through our committees, town halls, and regional events – is not just valued; it is essential. Your insights and participation are the bedrock of our advocacy agenda, ensuring that we continue to represent your interests effectively and comprehensively.

On behalf of the entire ACTA team, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to the Canadian travel industry. Together, we are not just navigating change; we are shaping the future of travel.

With deepest gratitude,

Wendy Paradis, President

2024-10-01 11:58:29