By Michael Baginski/ It wouldn’t have been an ACTA golf tournament without a monsoon, but despite the irritatingly inclement weather, which cut the round short by a few holes, 154 members and friends of the association (220 in all including dinner) enjoyed a full day of industry unity, support, and fun on July 9.
ACTA president and CEO Suzanne Acton-Gervais marked a year on the job (having been introduced at the event in 2025) and noted that by the time next year’s tourney rolls around, the association will be in the midst of celebrating being “50 years bold!”
The tournament itself, in its 36th year, took place as it has in recent years at Royal Ontario in Milton, Ont., and was supported by a host of suppliers, notably title sponsor Air Canada/Air Canada Vacations; major sponsors Manulife and Globus Family of Brands; Destination sponsor, Bahamas; and many others.
Featuring golf, cocktail reception and dinner and an entertaining array of activations, from Caribbean dancers and massages, to Irish gin-fuelled putting contest and on-course barbecue, ACTA’s Marco Pozzobon noted with pride that the annual event has evolved into an ACTA “event,” not just a golf outing, and an opportunity for ACTA members to meet both old friends and make new ones.
The event also raised more than $5,700 for the ACTA Advocacy Fund – money Acton-Gervais noted is critical to the organization’s efforts.
“Our role in to ensure Canada’s retail travel industry has a strong, credible and respected voice whenever decisions are being made,” she said. “Because here’s what was reinforced this past year: you cannot wait for a crisis to build influence. The strongest advocacy happens before decisions are being made…”
The sudden afternoon storm merely highlighted the tumultuous year past for travel advisors and ACTA amidst geopolitical instability, Cuba, fuel surcharges, labour disruptions, commission cuts, fraud, and other obstacles to travel.
But, with the sun shining again, ACTA’s president emphatically declared, “There’s nothing quite like the travel industry… and I’ve never been more optimistic!”
Here are some images from the event, followed by the day’s top performers (below):
Bahamas Carnival dancers welcome participants
Breakfast the Portuguese way
Team Collette, including company VP Ron Lonsdale, Dan Prior and Stuart Morecombe (Transat Distribution Canada), and, seated, Mike Baginski (Travel Industry Today)
Air Canada Vacations having a ball
Serving up a taste of Bahamas
Longest drive hopeful, Dan Prior (TDC)
Cool customers
The world (of Hyatt) belongs to Karla Laurenzana
Most honest golfers: Jennifer Bond – CIE Tours, Stephanie Griffiths – TravelOnly, Diane Cook, Trevello, and Marianne Southall – Trevello, (with Enterprise sponsor)
TOP TEAMS
Top Mixed Team (score of -7) – Sponsored by Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Gregory Luciani – TravelOnly
Michael Dew – Clarke-Way Travel
Sonia McKeon – Uniglobe Travel
Mark Stubbert – Ensemble
Top Ladies Team (score of +4) – Sponsored by Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Dianne Jackson – TDC,
Terri Brophy – TravelPlus
Brenda Chapman – Marlin Travel
Leanne McKercher – Marlin Travel
Top Men’s Team (score of -9) – Sponsored by Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Ryan Rees – Ubitrak
Mark Di Vito – OS Travel
James Barnard – Ubitrak
Adam Normand – Normand Group
Most Honest Golf Team – Sponsored by Enterprise Mobility
Jennifer Bond – CIE Tours
Stephanie Griffiths – TravelOnly
Diane Cook – Trevello
Marianne Southall – Trevello
Ladies’ Closest to the Pin – Sponsored by Brand USA
Nancy Ekels – Park’ N Fly
Men’s Closest to the Pin – Sponsored by Brand USA
Mike Seip – Enterprise Mobility
Ladies’ Longest Drive – Sponsored By Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Birdie Chavarria – NorthStar Travel
Men’s Longest Drive – Sponsored By Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Michael Degrace – Air Canada
Ladies’ Closest to the Keg – Sponsored by Brokerlink/ACTA Protect
Brigitte Gingerich – North Star Travel
Men’s Closest to the Keg – Sponsored by BrokerLink/ACTA Protect
Shahbaz Khan – Loyalty
Best Photo Award – Sponsored by Allianz Global Assistance
Dave Wright – Sunwing
Lorraine Brisbois – Sunwing
Sandra Lombardi – Luv to Travel Inc.
Vicky Sorbara – Luv to Travel Inc.
Hole In One Competition – Sponsored by Sandals/Unique Vacations
No winner this year.
TOP GRAND PRIZES:
Two round-trip Flair Airlines tickets anywhere Flair flies
Compliments of Flair Airlines
Winner: Emmalay Serrano – Travel Addix
Three-night stay in Greater Palm Springs, with activities
Compliments of Greater Palm Springs
Winner: Rob Gerber – Expedia Cruises
Two round-trip Porter Airlines tickets anywhere Porter flies
Compliments of Porter Airlines
Winner: Khalid Ismail – PG Travel
Two round-trip Air Canada Economy Class tickets for Transatlantic travel – Compliments of Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Winner: Beth Fleeton – CAA Niagara
Two round-trip Air Canada Economy Class tickets for system wide travel – Compliments of Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
Winner: Greg Salazar – Dragonfly Travel Inc
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