TORONTO — ACTA hosted its 35th annual Travel Industry Golf Tournament yesterday at the Royal Ontario Golf Club, marking a major milestone in what has become a beloved tradition in the travel community.
Presented with title sponsor Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, along with major sponsors Manulife and the Globus family of brands, and destination sponsor The Bahamas, the event offered a day of camaraderie, connection and celebration under sunny skies.
The tournament has grown into an essential industry gathering, drawing in professionals from across Canada to network, unwind and support ACTA’s advocacy work. “It’s about more than just golf,” said Marco Pazzobon, ACTA’s master of ceremonies. “This is a celebration of our industry’s strength, resilience and relationships. We’re proud of 35 years bringing people together in a meaningful way.”
Support poured in from a wide range of sponsors across every aspect of the day – from breakfast and cocktail reception sponsors, to ice cream and beverage cart sponsors, to sponsors for competitions and photography. Participants shared laughs on the green while reinforcing their commitment to ACTA’s mission of representing and advancing Canada’s retail travel sector.
ACTAʻs new President, Suzanne Acton-Gervais
PARADIS STEPS DOWN AFTER TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP
Yesterdayʻs golf event also served as the ideal setting to honour ACTA President Wendy Paradis, who earlier this year announced her retirement.
With her signature passion and clarity, Paradis took the podium to reflect on her time leading the association, expressing pride in the accomplishments achieved together with ACTA’s members and staff.
“I started in the travel industry over four decades ago, and I’m so proud to have represented travel agencies and travel advisors across Canada,” said Paradis. “You’ve heard me say it many times –our goal has always been to advocate to both government and suppliers on behalf of our community. The work we’ve done in education, weekly webinars, professional certification, and supporting newcomers to the industry –I couldn’t be prouder.”
Her departure marks the end of an era, as Paradis played a pivotal role guiding ACTA through the pandemic and years of unprecedented disruption. Her tireless efforts on the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable and commitment to transparency and collaboration earned her admiration throughout the industry.
“You led ACTA through some of the most challenging years in our history with clarity, compassion and unwavering commitment to our members,” said incoming president Suzanne Acton-Gervais during her address. “Because of you, ACTA is stronger and more resilient.”
ACTON-GERVAIS TAKES THE HELM WITH VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Stepping into the role of ACTA President, Acton-Gervais brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Canadian travel landscape. Having worked with the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) and with a strong background in aviation, Acton-Gervais is seen as a unifying force well-suited to lead ACTA into the future.
Addressing attendees at the event, Acton-Gervais delivered heartfelt remarks in both French and English, emphasizing her commitment to listening, learning and advancing ACTA’s mission.
“Today is a meaningful moment for me – personally and professionally,” she said. “I feel deeply honoured to join and lead this remarkable community.”
She pledged to build on the strong foundation laid by Paradis, aiming to amplify member voices and foster innovation, professionalism, and advocacy. “Our members are our mission partners,” she noted. “My focus will be on strengthening ACTA’s role as a powerful resource for our industry.”
As the event came to a close, ACTA staff presented Paradis with a token of appreciation, met with applause and cheers from industry colleagues. It was a fitting send-off for a respected leader and a warm welcome for a new one –both united in their love for the travel industry and dedication to those who power it.
“Congratulations, Wendy, on a well-deserved retirement. And to Suzanne, we look forward to what lies ahead under your leadership,” said Pazzobon.
PRIZE WINNERS APLENTY
Hereʻs the list of the dayʻs big winners …
Top Mixed Teams (score of -7) Sponsor: Air Canada and ACV
Mason Spencer – Air New Zealand
Elisa Wong – Direct Travel
Joel Arroyo – Air New Zealand
Anthony Saba – Goway
Gregory Luciani – TravelOnly
Kit Neil – Tully Luxury Travel
Sonia McKeon – Uniglobe Travel
Mark Stubbert – Ensemble
Top Ladies Team (score of -6)
Sponsor: Air Canada and ACV
Diane Zeppieri – Auto Europe
Pat Rotz – CAA Niagara
Megan Marut – Butterfield & Robinson
Mikyla Mosley – Britt & Company Travel
Top Men’s Team (score of -5)
Sponsor: Air Canada and ACV
Rocky Racco – TTI Travel
Michael Degrace – Air Canada
Sanjay Kopalkar – Mondee Canada Roberto Gennaro – Redtag.ca
Most Honest Golf Team
Sponsor: Enterprise Mobility
Racquel Queensborough – Jamaica Tourist Board
Jennifer Svoboda – Freedom Holidays Diana Shulist – Freedom Holidays Michelle Theoret – Travel Café Experience
Ladies’ Closest to the Pin
Sponsor: The Tourist Office of Spain
Ornelo Strefi – Continental Currency Exchange
Men’s Closest to the Pin
Sponsor: The Tourist Office of Spain
Colin Wood – VoX International
Ladies’ Longest Drive
Sponsor: Air Canada and ACV
Birdie Chavarria – NorthStar Travel
Men’s Longest Drive
Sponsor: Air Canada and ACV
Mark DiVito – OS Travel
Ladies’ Closest to the Keg
Sponsor: Visit Portugal
Sonia McKeon – Uniglobe Travel
Men’s Closest to the Keg
Sponsor: Visit Portugal
Andrew Alleyne – Barbados
Best Photo Award
Sponsor: Allianz Global Assistance
Ricardo Maharaj – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Quinn Brown – The Bahamas
Laurie Keith – Boutique Travel Services, Tracy Keith – Romantic Planet Vacations
Hole In One Competition
Sponsor: Sandals/Unique Vacations
Stephen Smith – Direct Travel
Brand USAʻs Casey Canevari was honoured at the ACTA golf tournament by his foursome, which included Travelweekʻs Annie Cicvaric. Canevari passed away May 1.
