This week: ACTA opens applications for its annual cruise summit, plus a new education experience in Iceland; TTAND savours Celebrity Cruises awards; Nexion launches its inaugural CANex conference; First in Service Travel marks a milestone; and agents could win a spot on a FAM to Bermuda…
ACTA
ACTA has opened applications for two special cruise events in 2026: the inaugural Aurora Expeditions Cruise Experience and returning 2026 Avalon Waterways European River Cruise Summit.
- Aurora Expeditions: ACTA’s first-of-its-kind Immersive educational expedition experience in partnership with Aurora Expeditions will take place June 9-16 aboard the Sylvia Earle, sailing through Iceland’s Westfjords region. Designed for ACTA member travel advisors seeking deeper knowledge and hands-on training, the trip will be limited to 30 participants. A fee of US$3,250 p.p. (double occupancy, airfare not included, though ACTA is working on partner rates) will be payable directly to Aurora Expeditions to cover voyage-related costs. The application deadline is Friday, April 9 (successful applicants will be notified on April 15). See the itinerary available at https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/ca/expedition/iceland-into-the-westfjords
- Avalon Waterways European River Cruise Summit 2026: Returning for a fourth year, the annual Summit will take place on Nov. 14-21, 2026, along the Danube River, through an eight-day onboard education program and river cruise itinerary, from Nuremberg to Budapest. Designed as an intimate and immersive learning opportunity, participation is limited to 120 ACTA member travel advisors. A participation fee of CDN$1,300 p.p. (double occupancy) will be payable directly to Avalon Waterways to cover program costs. Airfare is not included, however, ACTA is working with airline partners to secure discounted rates. Flight saving details will be shared upon acceptance. Applications close on April 17. For more information and to apply, click HERE.
The Travel Agent Next Door
TTAND scored three awards from Celebrity Cruises for 2025 including Partner of the Year for the third time. Other honours included Key Account of the Year and the Top 50 North America award.
“We are extremely honoured to receive three awards from Celebrity, “said Flemming Friisdahl, TTAND CEO. “They are great partners and being named Partner of the Year for a third time is a testament to how TTAND agents support our preferred suppliers.”
“These achievements reflect your hard work, dedication, and remarkable impact across the marketplace. We’re excited to continue building success together in the years ahead,” said Allen Brooks, National Director, Sales – Canada, who visited the TTAND office in Toronto with Brenda Lynne Yeomans, Key Account Manager, Sales – Canada, late last month to present the awards.”
Nexion
Nexion Travel Group Canada is set to launch to CANex 2026, a conference designed give members a new opportunity to hear about the latest travel trends, connect with colleagues and network with supplier partners. The event will take place April 27-28 in Toronto with a format that will include education sessions, immersive networking to spark collaboration, along with some fun.
At General Sessions, advisors will receive updates from Nexion Canada’s leadership team, as well as hear from preferred supplier partners (27 preferred partners are scheduled to attend, including representatives from cruise lines, airlines and tour operators). Nexion staff will lead education workshops, including an advisor peer panel that will focus on ways to build/grow your business in an ever-changing industry.
Travel advisors will also have a chance to and evening outing to a Blue Jays vs. Red Sox game, while Air Canada Vacations will host a post-event training session for attendees the day following CANex.
“We’re thrilled to provide this exclusive opportunity for our Canadian travel advisors,” said Jackie Friedman, President, Nexion Travel Group. “We hope that participants will have a chance to sharpen their skills, strengthen relationships and be inspired by new ways to serve their clients. We also want to use this occasion to celebrate our vibrant community of Canadian travel advisors and the terrific job they do every day.”
First in Service (F1S)
First in Service Travel Ltd. (F1S) has marked its 35th anniversary on March 20. Founded in 1991 by sibling entrepreneurs Erika Reategui and Fernando Gonzalez, the travel service company has evolved from a New York-based agency into a global travel enterprise covering luxury leisure, corporate and entertainment travel, operating across North America, Europe and Latin America that generates over $400 million in annual sales, supported by 138 principal advisor-led businesses and more than 200 total advisors worldwide.
“Thirty-five years ago, we set out to build something different – an agency grounded in relationships, integrity and service without compromise,” said Fernando Gonzalez, Co-Founder of First in Service. “Today, we may be global in scope, yet we still hum like a boutique thanks to our continued proximity to our exceptional advisors. That balance is our superpower.”
Since its inception, F1S has expanded strategically into key international markets, including Canada.
“We have grown thoughtfully and intentionally,” Gonzalez said. “Our goal has never been to grow for growth’s sake. It has always been about strengthening our community – our advisors, our partners and our clients.”
INCENTIVES
Bermuda Tourism Authority
Advisors completing the BTA’s Bermuda Specialist Program training by April 30 will be eligible to win a four-day/five-night FAM trip to the island including airfare, accommodation, meals, and more. Two winners will be selected from Canada. Access the program HERE.
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