This week: ACTA reveals Summit trade show details; Envoyage Canada signed a strategic partnership with Travel Leaders Network; TRAVELSAVERS Canada is staying close to home this summer; Air Canada Vacations introduces a recognition program for advisors; and Visit Florida Keys & Key West relaunch the Key Lime Academy for agents …
ACTA
The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) has announced details of its 2026 Grand Trade Shows – the largest ever held in Canada, taking place during ACTA’s Travel Industry Summits – Sept. 9 in Toronto (Pearson Convention Centre), Sept. 15 in Montreal (Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel), and Sept. 29 (Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel)
Bringing together travel advisors, agencies, suppliers, destinations and industry partners from across Canada and around the world, the 2026 Grand Trade Shows will deliver valuable connections, business-building opportunities and industry insights.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a record number of booths, while discovering new products, destinations and opportunities to grow and strengthen their business.
A highlight of the Toronto and Vancouver events will be the dedicated Cruise Pavilion, featuring over 25 cruise brands across river, expedition, luxury, premium and contemporary ocean cruising. Travel advisors will be able to meet directly with cruise partners, learn about the latest ships, itineraries and products, and expand their knowledge of the cruise market.
Toronto attendees can also participate in a timely interactive educational session: ‘Can you be Found but Not Seen?’ Presented by Ryan McElroy, CEO of Travel Agency Tribes, the interactive session will explore how travellers are increasingly using AI-driven answer engines to plan and book travel. Attendees will be introduced to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and learn how
authentic, story-driven content can increase visibility, establish credibility and attract more qualified, ready-to-book clients.
Summit registration still open for travel advisors. Attendance is complimentary for travel advisors and includes food and beverages throughout the day. Register at actaevents.ca.
Envoyage Canada/ Travel Leaders Network
Envoyage Canada, the principal independent brand operating within Flight Centre Travel Group, has signed a strategic partnership with Travel Leaders Network, bringing together two retail giants.
The agreement is the first consortium affiliation in Envoyage’s history and will give members access to even more preferred supplier programs, amenities, and marketing opportunities beyond its Flight Centre resources.
Lindsay Pearlman, President, Travel Leaders Network, said: “Envoyage is a formidable agency network, and we are thrilled to be affiliated with them. Not only am I excited to see how our products and programs will benefit them, but I am also looking forward to seeing how Envoyage’s considerable experience will add to Travel Leaders Network. This new partnership will be a win-win for both of us.”
TRAVELSAVERS CANADA
Recognizing Canadians shift towards domestic travel this summer, TRAVELSAVERS Canada has launched a campaign showcasing curated Canadian getaways, destination inspiration and exclusive travel offers from coast to coast. The “Close to Home” initiative encourages travellers to explore both iconic destinations and hidden gems with the guidance of a professional travel advisor, making it easier to uncover enriching experiences tailored to their interests.
“Some of the most memorable travel experiences are waiting right here in Canada,” said Jane Clementino, Sr. VP and GM, TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “This summer, travellers are exploring destinations they may have overlooked, supporting local businesses and discovering just how much their own country has to offer.”
The trend is evident across the industry, says TRAVELSAVERS, citing a June 2026 Leger 360 survey found that 77% of Canadians planning a summer leisure trip intend to travel domestically. That interest is also translating into bookings, with increasing demand for destinations from coast to coast, particularly the Maritimes, Newfoundland, British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.
Air Canada Vacations
Air Canada Vacations has introduced the ‘Prestige Partner Program,’ a new annual recognition initiative designed to celebrate travel partners who demonstrate outstanding performance, loyalty, engagement, and commitment to the ACV brand.
Created to recognize top-performing national partners, the program reflects the vital role these partners play in Air Canada Vacations’ success across Canada, says the company.
Partners are evaluated annually through a comprehensive scoring model that considers sales performance, year-over-year growth, product diversification, marketing support, engagement, and partnership. Based on their results, qualifying partners earn one of three distinctions: Trailblazer, Navigator, or Explorer.
Each designation offers a tailored package of benefits that may include enhanced recognition, exclusive support, marketing opportunities, rewards, and other advantages that acknowledge and celebrate partner achievements.
At the same time, advisors within qualifying networks will be able to showcase their agency’s designation through exclusive branding and recognition materials, highlighting their expertise and commitment to Air Canada Vacations.
“What makes this program especially exciting is that the recognition doesn’t stop at the head office level,” said Erminia Gallina, Director of Sales, Air Canada Vacations. “We wanted to create something advisors could proudly embrace as well. By enabling partners and travel advisors to showcase their designation, we’re recognizing achievement while helping them demonstrate their commitment to Air Canada Vacations to clients, colleagues, and peers.”
More details on the program will follow.
Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts is with two new travel advisor incentives in August and a special live stream on Jamaica Independence Day, Aug. 6.
In advance of the reopening of three Sandals Resorts in Jamaica later this year following a US$200 million transformation, advisors have the chance to earn extra cash bonus of up to US$100 and extra bonus commission of up to 4% per booking (six nights or longer) to Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay (formerly Sandals Royal Caribbean). Booking deadline is Aug. 31 via taportal.sandals.com or with the Unique Vacations Canada res team, for travel Nov. 18, 2026-Dec. 25, 2027, at Sandals South Coast; and Dec. 18, 2026-Dec. 25, 2027, at the others. Bonus incentives are not applicable on contracted Group bookings, Loyalty and Travel bookings, cobranded bookings or Military/First Responder bookings.
Travel advisors are also invited to register for a virtual celebration on Jamaica Independence Day on Aug. 06 at 2 p.m. EDT. Featuring a line-up of special guests including the General Managers of Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay as well as Marsha-Ann Donaldson, Director of Weddings and Romance, advisors will gain valuable insights and updates plus details on an exclusive consumer booking incentive and a chance to win prize stays of their very own.
EDUCATION
Key Lime Academy
Every traveller is different. Every Florida Keys vacation should be too. That’s the idea behind the reimagined Key Lime Academy from Visit Florida Keys & Key West. The enhanced training program equips travel professionals with the destination knowledge they need to confidently match clients with the right island and turn inquiries into even more bookings.
From destination insights and itinerary inspiration to insider tips and practical sales tools, the recently relaunched self-paced, online certification program is organized by region, giving advisors a deeper understanding of what makes each district unique. From Key Largo, to Islamorada, Marathon, to the Lower Keys and Key West, advisors get an in-depth look into the islands’ accommodations, transportation options, accessibility offerings, signature experiences, seasonal travel opportunities and hidden gems.
Upon completing the program, advisors earn the designation of Conch-Star Specialist, recognizing their expertise in planning and promoting travel throughout the Florida Keys & Key West. Graduates also receive access to curated itineraries tailored to a variety of traveller interests, including families, couples, honeymooners, adventure seekers, solo travellers and active adults.
Travel advisors interested in earning the Conch-Star Specialist Designation can enroll at www.KeyLimeAcademy.com.
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