The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) has marked a significant milestone in its leadership journey with the appointment of Suzanne Acton-Gervais as its new President, effective July 10, 2025. This strategic move comes at a time when the travel and tourism sector is poised for recovery following the profound impacts of the pandemic. Acton-Gervais steps into this pivotal role succeeding Wendy Paradis, whose retirement follows a distinguished tenure that has shaped the advocacy landscape for Canadian travel professionals.
Acton-Gervais’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for ACTA, as the organization continues to champion the interests of travel agencies and advisors across Canada. With her extensive background in aviation and travel advocacy, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that is essential for navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic travel environment. Her prior role as the Vice President of Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Affairs at the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) equipped her with a nuanced understanding of policy and regulatory issues critical to the industry.
In her capacity at NACC, Acton-Gervais not only developed expertise in government relations but also forged strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments. This collaboration was instrumental in shaping policies that foster the growth and resilience of Canada’s aviation and travel sectors. Her impressive career trajectory includes key positions at notable organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International (ACI World), and Transport Canada, as well as Air Canada. Such a diverse portfolio positions her uniquely to advance ACTA’s strategic objectives and to amplify its advocacy efforts.
Navigating Challenges: Leadership During the Pandemic
Acton-Gervais’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as a testament to her crisis management capabilities. As the Interim President of NACC, she skillfully guided Canada’s airline industry through unprecedented challenges, including stringent international travel restrictions and the gradual reopening of aviation services. Her adept navigation of these turbulent waters underscores her profound understanding of the industry’s intricacies and her ability to rally support among key stakeholders.
Beyond aviation, her collaborative efforts with ACTA’s outgoing president, Wendy Paradis, as part of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable showcased her commitment to the broader travel and tourism industry. This national advocacy initiative aimed to facilitate recovery efforts, reflecting her adeptness in addressing the sector’s most urgent issues through teamwork and cooperation.
A Visionary Leader for the Future
As she assumes her new role, Acton-Gervais is determined to uphold and extend the vital advocacy work that ACTA has championed for over four decades. Her vision aligns with the urgent need to support the recovery of Canadian travel agencies and advisors, particularly as they navigate the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic. Understanding that the landscape has shifted, Acton-Gervais emphasizes the necessity for ACTA to remain a formidable and influential voice for its members, ensuring they are equipped to face the evolving challenges ahead.
Monica Johnstone, Chair of ACTA’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Acton-Gervais’s capabilities, stating, “We are thrilled to have found a person of this caliber to fill the ACTA president’s role. Suzanne’s lengthy experience in the travel and tourism sector, along with her extensive advocacy experience and leadership skills, will serve ACTA members well as the industry continues its recovery and looks to the future.”
Lifelong Learning and Bilingualism: Key Assets
One of the hallmarks of Acton-Gervais’s professional journey is her unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. This dedication resonates deeply with ACTA’s mission to promote professional development within the travel sector. Holding a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Adult Education, she embodies the principles of continuous learning, making her a fitting leader for an organization that prioritizes training and support for travel professionals. Furthermore, her bilingual proficiency in both English and French enhances ACTA’s outreach, ensuring inclusivity for its diverse membership across Canada.
The Ongoing Commitment of ACTA
ACTA remains an indispensable advocate for Canadian travel agencies and advisors, offering a platform for training, networking, and advocacy at multiple levels—local, provincial, and federal. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, ACTA diligently works to ensure that the interests of travel professionals are prioritized in policymaking discussions. Acton-Gervais’s enthusiasm for her new role is palpable: “I am honored and excited to take on the role as President of ACTA. This opportunity to represent and serve the members of ACTA aligns with both my professional experience and my deep commitment to Canada’s travel and tourism sector. ACTA plays a vital role in supporting travel agencies and advisors across the country, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to help guide the association into its next chapter and lead ACTA forward with the continued support of its dedicated and professional team.”
Supporting the Transition: Paradis’s Endorsement
The transition from Paradis to Acton-Gervais has been smooth, with Paradis expressing her full support for her successor. Their collaborative history, especially during the pandemic, has laid a strong foundation for a seamless continuation of leadership. Paradis remarked, “We worked alongside each other advocating for Canada’s travel and tourism industry during the pandemic. She is an excellent choice for ACTA,” signaling confidence in Acton-Gervais’s ability to steer the association toward new heights.
Looking Ahead: A Revitalized Future for ACTA and Canada’s Travel Sector
As Canada’s travel and tourism industry begins to emerge from the shadows of the pandemic, the leadership transition at ACTA is not merely a change of guard; it represents a seminal moment for the organization and the sector it serves. With Suzanne Acton-Gervais at the helm, ACTA is poised to leverage her extensive industry experience and advocacy passion to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Canada’s tourism landscape. Her leadership is expected to foster an environment where travel professionals can thrive, ensuring that ACTA remains an essential player in advocating for the future of travel in Canada.
