Wendy Paradis to step down as ACTA president, search for replacement begins

Wendy Paradis, president of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA), has announced her retirement after nine years at the helm of the national travel agency association.

According to a press release, Paradis plans to step down later this year once a replacement is found but will stay on in a consulting position throughout 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.

Paradis gained national acclaim for her steering of ACTA throughout the pandemic, advocating for travel agencies and travel advisors with multiple levels of government and securing essential support for the industry.

“The past nine years as ACTA’s President have been filled with tremendous opportunities and at times, significant industry challenges. I have been fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated ACTA team and a strong National Board of Directors,” said Paradis in a statement. “I’m proud of the Canadian and global travel and tourism industry collaborations we have built and I’m confident by working together our industry will continue to have tremendous success!”

Four decades of travel & tourism 

Wendy joined ACTA in 2016 and has played a key role in travel advisor professional development, certification and most importantly, advocating for travel agencies, travel advisors and independent travel advisors.

For the past nine years, she has also represented Canada globally as a board member and the current Chair of the World Travel Agency Association Alliance (WTAAA).

“Working with Wendy over the past few years has been both an honour and a privilege. Her leadership, at all times, but most especially during the pandemic, has been nothing short of amazing. Through it all she has led with professionalism and empathy for the all industry stakeholders,” stated ACTA Board Chair Monica Johnstone. “She has addressed issues that needed to be dealt with and is leaving the industry in a much better place. The ACTA Board, staff and industry are losing an icon. Wendy will be missed but we wish her the best for the next chapter.”

Paradis’ retirement marks four decades in the Canadian travel and tourism industry, starting her career as a travel advisor with Eaton’s Travel directly out of college.

She then progressed to positions with travel agencies such as Thomas Cook Travel as a travel manager, Marlin Travel as a director and CAA Travel South Central Ontario as vice president.

Prior to working with ACTA, she was senior vice president at the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation (OTEC) where she developed her expertise in education, professional development and advocacy.

The ACTA Board of Directors has hired Executive Search Firm, PSG Leadership, to conduct the search for a new ACTA President.

The position will be posted on the ACTA website in the coming days.

Travel advisor Judith Coates of Wired For Travel said she has worked with Paradis "quite extensively" over the past five years through various advocacy-related issues. 

"I have the utmost respect and admiration for Wendy," Coates told PAX on Thursday. "She has steered the association through some turbulent times and brought urgent and important issues to the forefront, working with government officials to support suppliers, agencies and travel Advisors alike. She will leave some big shoes to fill." 

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