As part of its strategy to enhance its leadership, the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) appointed Suzanne Acton-Gervais as its new President on July 10, 2025. Acton-Gervais has extensive experience in the aviation and travel advocacy fields and takes over from Wendy Paradis, who has announced her retirement after an illustrious term.

The change in leadership is an important moment for ACTA as the organization maintains its crucial role in the interests of the Canadian travel and tourism sector, particularly as the sector rebounds from the severe pandemic hits.

A Stellar Track Record in Travel and Aviation Advocacy

Acton-Gervais brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as the Vice President of Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Affairs at the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC). In this capacity, she honed her expertise in policy, regulatory issues, and government relations. Her role involved working with various stakeholders, including federal and provincial governments, to shape policies that benefit Canada’s aviation and travel sectors.

Before her tenure at NACC, Acton-Gervais held several key positions at major organizations in the travel and aviation industry. Notably, she worked at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Airports Council International (ACI World), Transport Canada, and Air Canada. This extensive background in both governmental and private sector roles positions her as a strategic leader capable of advancing ACTA’s goals and objectives.

Key Leadership During the Pandemic

Acton-Gervais’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic is especially noteworthy. As Interim President of NACC, she guided Canada’s airline sector through one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Under her leadership, the airline industry navigated unprecedented challenges, from international travel restrictions to the gradual reopening of aviation across the country. Her ability to steer the sector through this storm highlights her crisis management skills and deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies.

Her work also extended beyond the aviation sector. During the pandemic, Acton-Gervais collaborated closely with ACTA’s outgoing president, Wendy Paradis, as part of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable. This national advocacy initiative aimed at driving recovery efforts for the broader travel and tourism industry, demonstrating her ability to work collaboratively with various industry players to address the sector’s most pressing issues.

ACTA’s New President: A Vision for the Future

In her new role, Acton-Gervais is focused on continuing the important advocacy work that ACTA has spearheaded for over 40 years. With a deep commitment to Canada’s travel and tourism sector, she aims to build on ACTA’s legacy and support the recovery of Canadian travel agencies and advisors. As the pandemic’s effects still ripple through the industry, Acton-Gervais plans to ensure that ACTA remains a strong, influential voice for its members, helping them navigate the post-pandemic landscape.

“We are thrilled to have found a person of this caliber to fill the ACTA president’s role,” said Monica Johnstone, Chair of ACTA’s Board of Directors. “Suzanne’s lengthy experience in the travel and tourism sector, as well as her extensive advocacy experience and leadership skills, will serve ACTA members well as the industry continues its recovery and looks to the future.”

Fully Bilingual, Lifelong Learner, and Advocate for Education

One of Acton-Gervais’s distinguishing traits is her dedication to lifelong learning, which aligns perfectly with ACTA’s commitment to professional development within the travel sector. She holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Adult Education, and her passion for education and advocacy for continuous learning make her an ideal fit for an organization like ACTA, which is deeply committed to training and supporting travel professionals.

Moreover, Acton-Gervais is fully bilingual, a critical asset as ACTA represents members from across Canada, where both English and French are official languages. Her ability to communicate effectively in both languages ensures that ACTA’s outreach remains inclusive and accessible to its diverse membership base across the country.

ACTA’s Commitment to the Travel Community

ACTA continues to serve as a vital voice for Canadian travel agencies and advisors. As a prominent industry advocate, the association provides training, networking opportunities, and advocacy at local, provincial, and federal levels. Through partnerships and collaborations, ACTA ensures that the interests of travel professionals are front and center in policymaking.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role as President of ACTA,” Acton-Gervais said. “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.”

Outgoing President Wendy Paradis’s Support

Wendy Paradis, who has led ACTA for several years, expressed her full support for the appointment of Acton-Gervais. Paradis and Acton-Gervais have worked closely in the past, particularly in advocating for Canada’s travel and tourism industry during the pandemic. “We worked alongside each other advocating for Canada’s travel and tourism industry during the pandemic. She is an excellent choice for ACTA,” said Paradis.

As Paradis transitions out of the role, she is confident that Acton-Gervais will lead the association to greater heights. The smooth transition from Paradis to Acton-Gervais ensures continuity in ACTA’s leadership and direction, providing stability for members as they continue to rebuild the travel sector.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for ACTA and Canada’s Travel Industry

With Canada’s travel and tourism sector emerging from the pandemic-induced setbacks, ACTA’s leadership succession constitutes a seminal moment. Suzanne Acton-Gervais comes equipped with extensive industry experience as well as an abiding interest in advocacy and education, which are equally critical as ACTA contemplates the intricate landscape after the pandemic.

Her leadership, combined with her dedication to representing and supporting travel professionals, will ensure that ACTA continues to be a key player in the revitalization of Canada’s tourism industry.

References: Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) Official Website, National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) Official Website, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Official Website, Transport Canada Official Website

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