This week: ACTA offers early bird membership rates; TTAND was again named to Air Canada’s Circle of Excellence; retirement is on the horizon for Nexion Travel Group President Jackie Friedman; ACV is launching its inaugural Air Canada Vacations Academy at Sea; and TRAVELSAVERS Canada makes key appointments.
ACTA
Membership season is underway at the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors and through Sept. 30, the organization is offering an exclusive promotion for Independent Travel Advisors to join or renew their 2027 ACTA membership for just $79, plus applicable taxes.
The early-bird offer is available online or in person at any upcoming ACTA Summit.
Beginning Oct. 1, the 2027 membership fee will be $99, plus applicable taxes, for advisors affiliated with an ACTA member host agency and $135, plus applicable taxes, for advisors who are not affiliated with an ACTA member host agency.
Travel agencies and independent travel advisors who join or renew their ACTA membership beginning Sept. 1, 2026, will automatically be entered into exclusive member prize draw including two Porter Airlines round-trip vouchers, valid for travel to any Porter destination; a three-night stay for two guests at Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya in Mexico; and two Air Canada round-trip Economy Class tickets for system-wide travel.
TTAND/ Air Canada
The Travel Agent Next Door reports it has again been named to the highest level of the Air Canada Circle of Excellence Agency Reward and Recognition program.
“We are honoured on behalf of our agent partners to be once again named to the platinum level of the Air Canada Circle of Excellence,” said TTAND CEO, Flemming Friisdahl. “This is the third year in a row that we have achieved this designation.”
Air Canada’s Circle of Excellence Agency Reward and Recognition Program is a global initiative designed to acknowledge the hard work of the travel trade industry.
According to Kevin Pohlmann, Reginal Sales Manager, Air Canada, the Platinum Circle of Excellence stands as the highest echelon of Air Canada’s partner recognition program, rewarding agencies that consistently deliver top-tier results in sales and service.
Members of this elite group gain access to exclusive benefits, including priority travel services, customized training programs and dedicated support from Air Canada’s sales team.
Nexion Travel Group
Nexion President Jackie Friedman has announced her retirement, effective Spring 2027, until which time she will continue to lead the company.
“It has been an incredible honour to help Nexion become the best host agency in the travel industry,” Friedman said at the recent CoNexion conference in Austin, TX. “In my 22 years with Nexion, we have created a home for some of the industry’s most talented independent travel advisors, supporting members with different business sizes, specialties and goals… I have also had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary team whose talent and commitment to our members has been the driving force of Nexion’s success. I am deeply proud of what we accomplished together and the thriving community we built.”
A native of Canada, Friedman joined the Nexion team in 2004 as VP of Operations. In 2007, she was promoted to President. Prior to joining the Nexion team, she spent 15 years with Sabre, serving in a variety of sales and leadership positions. Friedman started out working as a front-line agent and a travel agency manager in Toronto.
Nexion’s new president will be announced at a later date.
Air Canada Vacations
Air Canada Vacations is launching its inaugural Air Canada Vacations Academy at Sea, taking place from Jan. 17 to 24, 2027, aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore. The unique learning experience is designed to help advisors expand their knowledge, strengthen industry connections and experience products firsthand under the theme “Learn. Earn. Experience More.”
Presented in partnership with NCL and other industry partners, the program will feature exclusive ACV and supplier-led training sessions, networking events, hotel site inspections and hosted destination experiences. The itinerary includes visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, along with dedicated days at sea focused on learning and collaboration.
The package includes a 7-night cruise aboard Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line’s More At Sea package, with special launch rates from $1,130 p.p. for an inside stateroom, $1,160 for an oceanview stateroom and $1,240 for a balcony stateroom, based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Limited Academy airfares are also available from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montréal, Québec City and Halifax. Available exclusively to travel advisors, space is limited. For details, click HERE.
TRAVELSAVERS
TRAVELSAVERS has appointed Sevi Anagnostis as Senior Director, Supplier Relations. With more than 35 years of experience directing national partnerships, negotiations and revenue-growth strategies, she brings a proven ability to unite suppliers and agencies around shared goals that drive measurable results. In her new role, Anagnostis will strengthen relationships with air and car partners, identifying opportunities for mutual growth and helping agencies increase their share of business with those suppliers.
Most recently, Anagnostis served as National Accounts Manager at WestJet Vacations, where she led the growth of a multimillion-dollar portfolio. Her background also includes leadership roles with Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Air Canada, Canadian Airlines and Canadian Holidays.
Additionally, Michael Raffanello has joined TRAVELSAVERS Canada as Supplier Relations and Marketing Coordinator, bringing to his role more than five years of experience in multichannel marketing, campaign analysis, event coordination and vendor relations.
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