“An incredible experience”: Agents unpack Castilla y León, Spain at ACTA’s destination conference

“An incredible experience.”

That’s how travel advisor Beverley Edgar of The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) describes her first few days in Castilla y León—a picture-perfect region in northwestern Spain—where the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) is holding its annual Destination Conference this week.

Some 100 Canadian travel advisors, suppliers (such as Air Canada and Collette), and Spanish dignitaries, including Leon’s Mayor José Antonio Díez Díaz and Alejandro David Galán Aguado, deputy manager of tourism for the regional government of Castilla y León – have come together for the exciting event at Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Leon

“This region truly feels like a hidden gem of Spain – steeped in rich history, breathtaking architecture, and warm hospitality,” Edgar told PAX.

Building on last year's epic conference in The Azores, ACTA, this year, has partnered with the Tourist Office of Spain for its annual learning event, which began October 27 and runs until November 1.

During the six-day itinerary, advisors are unlocking history, culture and authenticity of Castilla y León – which is part of the famous Camino de Santiago – while connecting with local suppliers, improving their product knowledge and developing social media sills.

Strengthening connections

The conference is all about education (one of ACTA’s core pillars). After all, there’s something to be said about going into destinations to see, hear and taste everything.

Suzanne Acton-Gervais, ACTA’s president, told PAX that this year’s collaboration with the Tourist Office of Spain (Turespaña) reflects “our shared goal of strengthening connections between Canadian travel professionals and one of Europe’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations.”

“Spain provides an exceptional environment for professional development and industry collaboration, supported by numerous direct flights to and from Madrid and Barcelona, making it both accessible and highly appealing for our members and partners,” she said.

ACTA’s destination conferences are designed as “immersive learning experiences,” she went on to say.

“By bringing our members directly to the destination, we create unique opportunities to engage with local experts, experience the product firsthand, and gain valuable insights that directly enhance their professional knowledge — to the benefit of both travel advisors and their clients,” she said.

“These events exemplify ACTA’s ongoing commitment to advancing the professionalism and growth of Canadian travel advisors through education, meaningful connection, and global engagement.”

Making the connection

That’s how Edgar sums up her experience so far. One highlight, for her, was participating in a trade marketplace that showcased local operators and DMCs.

This platform enabled her to connect with trusted local companies, granting access to exclusive experiences, seamless trip planning, and personalized, high-quality service backed by expert knowledge.

“ACTA did an excellent job finding and connecting us with a wide variety of amazing tourism collaborators,” Edgar said.

Others sessions have featured presentations from Paradores de España, a collection of 100 historic Spanish hotels; Renfe, Spain’s state-owned railway network; and the Grupo de Ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad, representing Spain’s 15 World Heritage cities.

Outside of sessions, Edgar and her colleagues have had a chance to walk the charming streets of the destination, catching traces of “Gaudí’s genius at the beautiful Casa Botines,” admiring the majestic cathedral and ancient churches “glowing in the afternoon light,” she said.

What has surprised her most – up to this point – is learning how León plays such an important role along the Camino de Santiago, a famous network of ancient pilgrimage routes across Europe that all lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

“This region welcomes pilgrims from around the world with its beautiful cathedrals, historic streets, and deep sense of spiritual heritage,” she said. “Castilla y León is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on every traveller who visits. It certainly has on me."

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