This week: ACTA releases its Accessible Travel Advisor Directory; Nexion benefits from industry interest; Kensington commits to travel agents; Visit Orlando introduces a new tool for agents; Atout France announces trade show dates; and Emerald and Scenic Cruises hit the road to host info sessions in 25 Canadians cities.
ACTA
ACTA has launched an Accessible Travel Advisor Directory – a first-of-its-kind Canadian resource connecting travellers with travel advisors specializing in accessible travel for both visible and non-visible disabilities.
This initiative is a key component of ACTA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) commitments and features 34 vetted travel advisors from across the country who have demonstrated experience and commitment to accessible travel planning. In October, ACTA invited qualified members to apply through a formal application process to ensure advisors listed meet established criteria and standards.
The Accessible Travel Advisor Directory is available through the “Find an Advisor” section of the ACTA website, and can also be accessed directly at: https://www.acta.ca/accessible-travel-directory.php
ACTA will continue accepting qualified advisors on a rolling basis to expand the directory and further strengthen accessibility expertise nationwide. To be included in the directory, travel advisors must:
- Be a current ACTA member in good standing
- Have a minimum of two years of advisory experience
- Have completed at least three accessible travel bookings, or one supervised accessible travel case with mentorship
- Demonstrate familiarity with common accessibility considerations and potential challenges.
“Accessible travel is not a niche – it is a necessity,” says ACTA president Suzanne Acton-Gervais. “Every Canadian deserves the opportunity to explore the world with confidence and dignity.
Nexion Travel Group
As LinkedIn names travel advisor among the fastest-growing careers in North America, Nexion Travel Group is reporting a 20% increase in interest over the last year from individuals exploring the profession, signaling renewed momentum for travel advising as a flexible, entrepreneurial career path.
“People are looking for careers that offer flexibility, purpose and growth, and travel advisor delivers on all three,” said Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE, President of Nexion Travel Group. “We’re seeing strong interest from career changers and entrepreneurs who want more control over their work while helping clients create meaningful travel experiences.”
A recent survey of Nexion advisors underscores the profession’s appeal: 88% of respondents would recommend a career as a travel advisor, while 83% are optimistic or very optimistic about the industry’s future.
Kensington
Kensington has relaunched its advisor appreciation campaign, stating that it is reaffirming its commitment to the travel advisor community and recognizing the essential role advisors play in delivering highly personalized travel experiences for their clients.
Through the program, advisors can earn up to $250 on every qualified booking made in 2026 for travel through 2027 with an additional $500 awarded for every fifth booking. Rewards are issued via a VISA gift card and become redeemable as soon as the initial deposit is made on eligible bookings submitted through the Kensington travel advisor portal. Full commission continues to apply.
For information, visit the travel agent portal at https://fit.kensingtontours.com/Login.aspx .
Visit Orlando
The Orlando Travel Academy Itinerary Builder, which is available to Orlando Travel Academy graduates, is now available to help travel advisors quickly turn their Orlando expertise into curated, multiday itineraries tailored to their client’s interests.
“Travel advisors are instrumental in shaping how travellers experience Orlando,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “This new AI-powered Itinerary Builder allows them to turn their knowledge from the Orlando Travel Academy into customized trip ideas in minutes, equipping them with inspiration and insights to share with clients.”
The tool helps bridge the gap between training and trip planning with Travel Academy course content, transforming the training content into ready-to-share itineraries with signature attractions, lodging suggestions and the diverse experiences that define Orlando.
The tool provides advisors with visually rich, map-supported itineraries that can be downloaded or shared in minutes and are presented in an advisor-branded format to support more personalized client communications. Its advisor-only design ensures the planning process remains led by the advisor, naturally guiding travelers back to the professional who knows their needs and the destination best. (orlandotravelacademy.com).
Atout France Canada
France’s tourist board will host its annual Destination France trade show events in four Canadian cities in March. Dates include March 9 – Vancouver; March 10 – Toronto; March 11 – Montreal; and March 12 – Halifax. The events will include French partners and the announcement of the 2026 Destination France Prize for top tour operator itinerary. Travel agents and tourism professionals who subscribe to Atout France’s newsletter in Canada will be invited to vote for their favourite products between Feb 10 and 20.
Emerald and Scenic Cruises
Emerald Cruises & Tours and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will 25 upcoming information sessions taking place across Canada. With locations spanning from Ontario to British Columbia, these sessions will take place throughout February and March, beginning on Feb. 17. Designed to benefit both travellers and travel advisors, attendees will get a look at both Scenic and Emerald Cruises’ Europe and Southeast Asia river cruise itineraries for 2026-27, with a focus on premium luxury travel experiences.
Registration is open to both travellers and travel advisors as follows:
- Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Information Sessions: www.scenic.ca/riverevents
- Emerald Cruises’ Information Sessions: www.emeraldcruises.ca/riverevents
Note that Scenic and Emerald Cruises will host their information sessions on the same date and at the same location. Guests may choose to register for either session or attend both.
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