ACTA 2026 award recipients announced at Toronto summit

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) announced the winners of its national awards on Wednesday (Sept. 9) at its Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit.

A total of seven awards were presented at the event, which took place at Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, ON.

“One of the most meaningful moments of this event is the opportunity to honour individuals whose leadership, professionalism, innovation and dedication inspires us all,” said Suzanne Acton-Gervais, president of ACTA, addressing the day’s delegation on a stage.

And the awards go to...

One by one, each award recipient took to the stage to accept their honour and pose for a photo alongside ACTA’s Suzanne Acton-Gervais, Monica Johnstone and Fiona Bowen.

Christine James, vice-president for Canada at Travel Leaders Network, was presented the Gerald Heifetz Advocacy Award.

This award was established in memory of the late Gerald Heifetz, who helped travel advisors, business people and countless struggling immigrants throughout his law practice.

Heifetz was also instrumental in the foundation of ACTA and CITC.

“This is an incredible honour,” said James, whose career in travel had crossed paths with Heifetz throughout the years before his passing in 2014. “I would like to thank the entire ACTA team and ACTA members who nominated me for this amazing award. I feel so honoured.”

The Leisure Travel Advisor Award went to Dean Nelson of Personal Travel Management.

This award recognizes “an exceptional advisor whose expertise, innovation and commitment to outstanding client service sets the standard for excellence in the industry,” said ACTA.

The Corporate Travel Advisor Award went to Roxeanne Rae of Sea to Sky Travel Management, an affiliate of Envoyage.

This recognizes an outstanding travel advisor who demonstrates exceptional expertise and service in the complex and fast-paced world of corporate travel, said ACTA.

ACTA also presented a new award category – the Travel Manager Award was created to honour an outstanding manager who demonstrations exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to success of their team and organization.

This award went to Corinne Scollon of Direct Travel.

The Tomorrow’s Leader Award celebrates an individual who takes a keen interest in the issues and opportunities shaping the future of travel and who “serves as a positive role model for young professionals entering and growing within our industry,” said ACTA.

This award went to Jamsheed Pocha of The Pelican Club. He wasn’t available to accept the award in person, but a picture of Pocha was shared on a projection screen.

ACTA’s Ches Chard Education Award recognizes an individual whose commitment to education and professionalsm has made a meaningful impact on travel industry

This award went to Doug Ellison of Ellison Travel and Tours.

Finally, the CTC/CTM Lifetime Achievement Award honours a Certified Travel Counsellor and Certified Travel Manager whose career reflects decades of professionalism, continuous learning and dedication to advancing the travel profession.

This award went to Melissa Chown of CAA Atlantic.

Referral Program winner

After the awards, ACTA announced the winner of its Referral Program Draw, which was held in collaboration with Aurora Expeditions.

The campaign, which ran from Jan. 15 to Aug. 31, gave travel advisors and agencies the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic expedition by joining, renewing, referring industry peers and earning ACTA certification. Each qualifying action earned ballots toward the Grand Prize draw.

Ola Honeysett of Jet Lag Voyages (The Travel Agent Next Door), who was responsible for six ACTA referrals, won the grand prize – a complimentary cabin on the South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle, valued at $90,000.

Industry comes together

ACTA’s Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit brought together travel advisors, suppliers and industry leaders for a full day of education, insights and networking, featuring keynote presentations, panel discussions and opportunities to connect with peers from across the country.

READ MORE: ACTA Summit: “The future of travel is human,” says President Suzanne Acton-Gervais

This year’s event welcomed 504 travel industry professionals, including 212 suppliers, marking the Summit’s largest exhibitor presence to date.

The trade show featured a record 126 exhibitor booths, while 12 industry speakers took the stage throughout the day.

Stay tuned for more of PAX’s on-the-ground coverage from the event.

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