“Business is strong”: Travel pros swing into action at ACTA’s 2025 golf tournament

It was all fairways and friendships on Thursday morning (July 10) as ACTA’s annual travel industry golf tournament, under a blazing-hot sun, hit the links at the Royal Ontario Golf Club in Milton, ON.

With 156 golfers swinging into action (and with 220 expected for dinner tonight), the energy, during this morning’s registration, was high as a well-struck drive off the first tee thanks to vibrant carnival dancers, courtesy of The Bahamas, the event's destination sponsor, who greeted guests on arrival.

The 35th annual gathering isn’t just a chance to par-tee—it’s a show of support for ACTA’s advocacy efforts, rallying the industry around a common cause: ensuring travel has a strong, unified voice across Canada.

From tourism boards to tour operators to travel advisors to suppliers, every corner of the travel biz is represented.

Driving home the message was ACTA’s outgoing president, Wendy Paradis, who said the tournament typically sells out “the moment we announce it.”

“The travel industry looks forward to it every year,” Paradis told PAX. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect on a deeper level—not just professionally, but personally as well.”

Today actually marks Paradis’ last day as ACTA’s president. After nine years at the helm of the national travel agency association, she is stepping down to retire.

ACTA’s new president, Suzanne Acton-Gervais begins her new job today – and is on the scene at today’s event.

Speaking to the crowd (in both English and French) ahead of the event’s shotgun start, Acton-Gervais remarked that she couldn’t imagine a better way to begin her new role—surrounded by new colleagues and the industry.

“Business is strong"

The tournament – supported by headlining sponsors Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations – serves as a fundraiser for ACTA’s advocacy fund.

Sharing her thoughts on the state of the industry, Paradis said that “people are feeling really good after everything we’ve gone through."

“Business is strong,” she said. “there are some dark clouds above us, but in talking to members and suppliers, people are feeling really good about where the travel industry is right now.”

As for how Paradis feels about retiring, she said it feels “absolutely fantastic.”

“I have worked in this industry for more than 40 years, so I’m really looking forward to having some free time,” she said. “I’m really excited about the travel industry’s upcoming leaders. I‘m happy to step aside and let the next generation take over. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”

PAX is covering ACTA’s golf tournament on location today. Stay tuned for more pictures and our detailed report!

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