This week: ACTA announced regional chairs and vice chairs, and promotes a key exec; a first for Marlin Travel; TTAND signs new luxury suppliers; Ensemble has a new cruise partner; and Direct Travel launches a host luxury division
ACTA
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors has announced its Chairs and Vice-Chairs for its 2026 Regional Advisory Committees. The committees play a vital role in representing members across the country, supporting advocacy efforts, and providing valuable insights that help shape the future of Canada’s travel industry. 2026 members include:
- British Columbia and Yukon Chair: Mark Greenwood, Travel Masters Vice-Chair: Kimberly Wood, Maritime Travel
- Alberta and Northwest Territories Chair: Peter Keyter, South Travel Inc. Vice-Chair: Shelly Ewing, CTC, Tier One Travel
- Manitoba and Saskatchewan
- Manitoba Co-Chair: Mary Jane Hiebert, CTC, Oyster Travel Co Vice-Chair: Melanie Carter, CTM, Carmel Escapes
- Saskatchewan Co-Chair: Jamie Milton, CTM, UNIGLOBE Carefree Travel Co Vice-Chair: Karen Schabel, CTM, CAA Saskatchewan
- Ontario Chair: Maria da Cunha, CTC, daCunha Voyages Inc. Vice-Chair: Jacqueline Mizon, La Salle Travel Services
- Québec Chair: Véronique Capra, Passion Monde, Voyages Bergeron Vice-Chair: Serge H. Malaison, Voyages Centaures
- Atlantic Canada Chair: Scott Stone, CTC, Universal Travel Vice-Chair: Paulette Solomon, The Travel Store/The Travel Clinic
At the same time, ACTA has announced the promotion of Lesley Berry, CTC, to Membership Manager, stating that “as she approaches her three-year anniversary with ACTA, (Berry) continues to demonstrate the professionalism and commitment that have made her a valued member of the team since joining the organization as Membership Coordinator.”
Most recently, she served as Interim Manager, Meetings and Events, stepping into the role during a maternity leave and ensuring the continued success of ACTA’s international, national and regional events.
Marlin Travel
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) franchise brand Marlin Travel has taken to social media to launch a major campaign featuring well-known content creator Simona Stallone (@theotherstallone). The initiative aims to highlight the expertise and essential role of Marlin Travel’s advisors at a time when travellers value personalized support and human, professional trip planning more than ever.
Marlin says it as chosen to partner with an influencer for the first time, and rather than focusing on a specific destination – something commonly seen on social media – the goal is to spotlight the crucial contribution of travel advisors in designing a trip and the significant added value they bring.
“The attentiveness, expertise and professionalism of the Marlin Travel advisor will be front and centre, enabling Simona Stallone to enjoy an experience created just for her, with an itinerary truly tailored to her needs, budget and interests,” says the company, adding, “To add a fun twist to the initiative, Simona Stallone will discover her destination only once she arrives at the airport on the day of departure.”
The campaign can be seen across Simona Stallone’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok), introducing the campaign and the decision to work with a travel expert, as she shares her specific needs and expectations. The destination is revealed at the airport on March 6, kicking off a journey shared live in real time. Starting March 20, Simona Stallone will deliver her “final verdict”, where she will chat with her travel advisor to debunk common myths among travellers – all in a light-hearted, humorous tone.
TDC also conducted a similar campaign in January and early February for its Club Voyages brand, aimed at the French-speaking market in Quebec. It featured TV and radio host Anais Favron, a well-established media personality, with the same objective: to demonstrate the added value of travel advisors and strengthen brand awareness.
The Travel Agent Next Door
TTAND has signed several new suppliers to support its new LUXE by the Travel Agent Next Door premium brand. The latest suppliers to join the lineup are Scenic, Explora Journeys, Uniworld, Silversea and Tauck.
“We are onboarding these new luxury suppliers to support our strategic plan for growth in the luxury market,” said Flemming Friisdahl, CEO, TTAND. “A survey of our agents identified these suppliers to augment our preferred and approved supplier group.”
Last November, TTAND launched its premium brand, known as LUXE by The Travel Agent Next Door, to cater to the growing demand for luxury product and services – and to differentiate from mass marketing initiatives that do not appeal to affluent travellers.
This new strategy is intended to reinforce TTAND’s luxury positioning, boost conversions, and empower advisors to sell premium travel more effectively.
Ensemble, Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions has announced a new partnership with Ensemble Travel Network, becoming a supplier member of the North American travel advisor consortium.
Through the partnership, Aqua Expeditions says it will work closely with Ensemble’s network of independent travel agencies and professional travel advisors across the U.S. and Canada, supporting its continued growth in the region. The collaboration includes a range of advisor-facing initiatives such as trade engagement, collaborative marketing, access to training and sales support, and a strategic framework designed to deliver added value for Ensemble members and their clients.
“North America continues to be a key growth market for Aqua Expeditions,” said Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder and CEO. “Ensemble gives us the ability to deepen our relationships with advisors across the U.S. and Canada and support that growth in a meaningful, long-term way.”
The partnership will be supported by Aqua Expeditions’ North America sales team, offering Ensemble advisors direct access to product training, sales guidance, and destination expertise across Aqua’s fleet.
Direct Travel
As independent luxury advisors continue to reshape the leisure travel landscape, Direct Travel has launched Altitude by Direct Travel, a luxury hosted advisor network within its Leisure Travel vertical. Designed to support independent advisors specializing in premium and luxury travel, Altitude formalizes and elevates one of the company’s fastest-growing segments.
Within its Leisure Travel organization, Direct Travel has built one of North America’s most established hosted advisor networks, now operating under the Altitude brand. With Altitude by Direct Travel, the company is ensuring that both advisors and industry partners recognize the breadth and strength of its leisure business.
“Altitude represents more than a new brand, it formalizes our commitment to the luxury advisor community,” said Gerard Bellino, President of Leisure Travel at Direct Travel. “We’ve long been known for operational excellence, supplier strength, and high-touch support. Altitude gives that foundation a distinct identity designed specifically for today’s premium travel entrepreneur.”
Altitude advisors have access to elite programs with the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, exclusive cruise benefits, and a top-tier membership in the Virtuoso luxury travel network, as well as first rate technology. Cruise remains one of the division’s strongest verticals, complemented by robust partnerships across air contracts, luxury hotel programs and bespoke travel services.
The launch follows the recent appointment of a dedicated management team focused exclusively on independent travel advisors.
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