“Success ultimately comes down to people”: Christine James reflects on retirement

After 27 years with Travel Leaders Network, and a career spent championing travel advisors and strengthening industry partnerships, Christine James is preparing to close one of the most significant chapters of her professional life.

James, vice-president, Canada, will retire on Oct. 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy built on relationships, advocacy and leadership, as well as a genuine love for Canada's travel industry.

Over nearly three decades with Travel Leaders, James has become a familiar and trusted voice in Canadian travel, working closely with advisors, agency owners, suppliers, industry organizations and travel trade media.

Her perspective has frequently been sought by journalists covering the Canadian travel landscape, making her a valuable source of insight and context on the issues and opportunities shaping the industry.

Stepping away from an industry that has shaped so much of her life, professionally and personally, is an emotional transition for James.

“It was with mixed emotions that I made the decision to retire. While I am excited for the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead, there is no doubt that I will miss the many friendships and meaningful relationships I have built over the years with our valued members, supplier partners and colleagues across the industry,” James told PAX.

“The travel business is truly a people business, and I have been fortunate to work alongside so many talented and passionate individuals throughout my career.”

Since announcing her retirement, James says the response from industry colleagues has reinforced just how meaningful those connections have become.

"I have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support, kind words, and expressions of gratitude I have received,” she said. “Reading the messages has been incredibly meaningful and has reminded me just how special this industry and its people truly are.”

Adding to the recognition surrounding her retirement, James was presented with the Gerald Heifetz Advocacy Award at ACTA’s Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit on Wednesday (Sept. 9).

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

Speaking at the event, James said it was "an incredible honour" to receive the award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant and positive impact on the Canadian travel industry. 

All about people

James joined what was then TL Network in 1999 as business development manager and was subsequently promoted to director of national sales, Canada

In 2004, she was named senior director of industry relations, taking responsibility for negotiating and managing the organization's Canadian supplier partnerships.

Her leadership role continued to expand. In June 2008, James was promoted to country manager, Canada, and in 2010 assumed her current position as vice-president, Canada.

But her roots in the Canadian travel business stretch back even further.

During the mid-1990s, James ran James Consulting Services, a representation service for niche-market tour operators, including Sunjet Holidays, CIT Tours, Dan Tours, Obsession Tours, Skyways International and others.

Prior to that, she served as director of business development at Travel Trust International, overseeing network expansion across Canada as well as the company's corporate hotel program.

It is a career that has given James a front-row seat to decades of change, from shifts in distribution and consolidation to the rise of new technology and the evolving role of the travel advisor.

Yet when asked what the industry has taught her, James doesn't point to technology, sales strategies or products.

She points to people.

“The greatest lesson the travel industry has taught me is the importance of nurturing genuine relationships,” James said. “While strategies, products, and technology continue to evolve, success ultimately comes down to people.”

“Whether you are working with a client, a member, a supplier partner, or a colleague, trust is built through sincerity, honesty, and consistency. I have learned that when you invest in relationships and truly listen to the needs of others, you create partnerships that can withstand challenges and grow stronger over time.”

Those relationships, she said, have ultimately been one of the defining rewards of her career.

“The connections I have made throughout my career have been among the most rewarding aspects of my professional journey, and they have shaped not only my career but also who I am as a person.”

The messages James has so far received ahead of her retirement also speak to the influence she has had on the people and businesses around her.

“You were very inspirational in my decision to stay with Travel Leaders,” wrote Liz Moore, owner of Liz Moore Destination Weddings, crediting that encouragement with helping her learn, grow and build her business.

She also praised James' leadership and contributions to the organization, adding: “I know you will soar just as you have with your great contributions with Travel Leaders.”

James' impact has extended well beyond the agency community.

Sean Russo, director of sales, Canada at Virgin Voyages, described working alongside James as “an absolute privilege,” while recognizing the support she has provided throughout his career.

“Personally, I am deeply grateful for your constant support, guidance, and encouragement over the years,” Russo wrote. “You’ve been a steadfast friend, and your impact on me and the industry as a whole will certainly be felt long after you step away.”

The sentiments reflect a legacy that reaches across the Canadian travel landscape – from the advisors and agency owners James has supported to the supplier partners and colleagues she has worked alongside throughout her career.

“Christine’s impact over these past 27 years has been felt across many areas of our organization,” wrote TLN President Lindsay Pearlman in a message to Canadian members and supplier partners.

“Her dedication to membership recruitment, member services, and the development of strong partner relationships has helped shape the foundation of Travel Leaders Network in Canada.”

“That feeling never got old”

A career spanning decades inevitably comes with a long list of memorable destinations, trips and experiences.

But James says some of her fondest memories aren't tied to any particular place.

They're tied to the moments when the industry came together.

“There have been so many memorable moments throughout my career that it is difficult to choose just one,” she said. “Of course, I have been fortunate to visit incredible destinations and experience many unique opportunities through travel.”

“However, if I had to pinpoint what stands out most, it would be the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community that comes alive at our conferences and events.”

For James, seeing members and supplier partners connect, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships served as a recurring reminder of why the work mattered.

That has "always been incredibly rewarding,” she said. “The excitement in the room, the exchange of ideas, and the positive feedback from attendees after each event reinforced the value of what we were creating together.”

“No matter how many conferences I attended over the years, that feeling never got old.”

Well-earned downtime

For someone accustomed to decades of meetings, events, deadlines and travel, James' immediate retirement itinerary is refreshingly open.

“I have no firm plans, and that is actually something I’m looking forward to,” she said. “After many years of schedules, meetings, travel, and deadlines, I am excited to enjoy some well-earned downtime and embrace a slower pace, at least for a little while.”

That will include more time with family and friends, pursuing personal interests and reflecting on a career that has spanned some of the industry's most transformative years.

“Retirement offers the opportunity to pause, recharge, and consider what the next chapter might look like,” James said. “While I am not rushing into anything, I am keeping an open mind and am excited to see where that next chapter may lead.”

Travel Leaders Network will announce its new vice-president for Canada at a later date.

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