TORONTO — Avalon Waterways and Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) have announced the return of their European River Cruise Summit for 2026, with applications opening March 25 for Canadian travel advisors.

Set for Nov. 14-21, 2026, the weeklong educational experience will take place aboard Avalon Waterways’ Legendary Danube itinerary, sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest. The program is limited to 120 Canadian advisors, with strong demand expected following previous years that saw more than 400 applications.

Designed as a professional development opportunity, the Summit combines first-hand river cruise experience with a structured program of workshops, peer networking and business-building sessions aimed at supporting long-term sales growth.

“This Summit continues to be one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the Canadian advisor community,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “There is simply no substitute for experiencing river cruising first-hand while learning alongside industry peers and leaders.”

Suzanne Acton-Gervais, president of ACTA, added, “Providing impactful, experiential professional development opportunities remains central to ACTA’s mission. This Summit gives ACTA member travel advisors the opportunity to build knowledge, strengthen relationships and position themselves for success in the growing river cruise market.”

Applications close April 17, 2026, after which selected advisors will be invited to participate. Additional details, including application requirements and program highlights, are available here.

Lead image caption: Avalon Waterways in Budapest, Hungary — Credit Avalon Waterways