Montreal: ACTA Summit Brought Together 200 Industry Leaders

Last September, the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) hosted its annual Quebec Travel Industry Summit at Plaza Antique in Montreal gathering travel agency leaders, corporate partners, independent contractors, travel industry media among others.

ACTA enabled its members to connect with industry peers and leaders, gain insights from global experts on crucial business topics, explore new growth opportunities, learn about and discover trends that will shape the future of the industry, and enjoy exciting prizes during the event.

 

Bright Future for Quebec's Travel Industry

Serge H. Malaison, president of the ACTA Advisory Council, expressed an optimistic view of the travel industry, noting its transition from recovery to steady growth. He highlighted that while global bookings remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels, rising prices are helping travel agencies sustain strong earnings. Key trends include the rise of eco-friendly tourism, with more people looking for unique and authentic travel experiences.

Malaison also highlighted how many young travelers now prefer flexible and personalized trips, while older generations continue to spend on high-quality travel. The industry is expected to grow further through 2025, making Quebec a strong player in the global travel market.

 

Accessibility in Travel

Kerianne Wilson, Air Canada’s Director of Customer Accessibility, delivered a very interesting keynote emphasizing the importance of enhancing accessibility in air travel. She discussed the need to accommodate individuals with disabilities and presented videos highlighting issues like anxiety during flights and cerebral palsy, which affects movement and muscle tone.

Air Canada strategy relies in their commitment to remove barriers and advancing accessibility in air travel and employment. The airline's accessibility plan serves as a foundational step, and they are dedicated to achieving the goals outlined in this plan.

 

The airline has already joined "Tournesol for Invisible Disabilities" program, which allows passengers to wear a discreet sunflower symbol. This symbol signals to staff that these travelers may need extra assistance or have specific needs.

 

Azores: Nine Islands of Enchantment

Mr. Ernesto D’Alessandro from SATA Azores Airlines at Discover the World and Ms. Inês Almeida Garrett, director of the Portugal Tourist Office in Canada, made a presentation about Azores islands.

Mr. D'Alessandro showcased the allure of the nine Azores Islands: São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Faial, São Jorge, and Corvo, a favorite Portuguese destination, just five hours from Montreal. Known for their mild climate, even in winter, and the UNESCO-recognized Azores Geopark, the islands attract tourists with their natural beauty and geological heritage. Marine life, including whales and dolphins, is abundant year-round, making the islands ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

 

For more information read this link 

 

He mentioned that one of the ACTA International Destination Conference

will be held in the Azores on 18 November 2024.

 

 

Visit Portugal

Órbita Popular had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Inês Almeida, the Director of Visit Portugal. She extended a heartfelt invitation to Latin Americans living in Quebec who have yet to discover the Azores Islands. Ms. Almeida encouraged them to come and explore this enchanting archipelago, renowned for its stunning natural wonders and inviting atmosphere. With pleasant weather year-round, the Azores offer a perfect setting for relaxation and a variety of activities, even during the winter months. Visitors can also enjoy the region's culinary delights, including exceptional local cheeses, fresh natural products, and, of course, exquisite wines and Porto. She highlighted that there is a wide range of accommodations available, suited to all budgets, making it an accessible destination for everyone.

 

Finally, participants were invited to the Professional Tradeshow and the most expected networking ocassion.  Around 40 suppliers displayed their products and answered many questions from the participants interests making solid engagements.

 

 

Peru:  A fascinating Country

Peru’s stand was notably one of the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. With direct flight connections from Canada serving the destination, PROMPERU showcased the iconic beauty of Machu Picchu along with Peru’s many other captivating regions.

Gwendoline Duval, PromPerú Representative in Quebec was accompanied by Marvic Gil from PROMPERU Canada. Duval had important announcements to make for travel agents who are encouraged to book tickets for Machu Picchu exclusively through the official website, as new regulations are in place. For details on updated circuits and visitor paths, an article approved by PROMPERU offers insights into these changes.

 

For more information read this link.

 

In addition, Machu Picchu has renewed its certification as the world's first carbon-neutral Wonder, a prestigious title granted by Green Initiative, a leading climate certification company in the tourism industry. This recognition highlights the site's commitment to decarbonization and global sustainability goals. More information here.

Peru also leads as the top destination for river tourism in South America, with offerings such as Uniworld's cruises on the Amazon River. Explore Uniworld's offerings here.