ACTA launches new pathway program to recognize advisors expertise

ACTA has launched the Industry Recognition Pathway Program — a new initiative designed to formally recognize the expertise and contributions of experienced travel professionals across Canada.

The program provides an opportunity for travel professionals with 10 or more years of industry experience to have their expertise formally recognized.

Eligible candidates who meet the program requirements can earn the industry-recognized Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) or Certified Travel Manager (CTM) designation by demonstrating their extensive industry experience, rather than completing the traditional certification pathway.

Earning a CTC or CTM designation recognizes years of professional achievement, validates expertise against national industry standards, enhances professional credibility with clients and industry partners, increases professional recognition across Canada, and provides access to exclusive ACTA member benefits.

The Industry Recognition Pathway Program complements ACTA’s existing Equivalency to CTC/CTM Conversion Pathway Program, which remains available for travel professionals who have already earned an eligible industry designation and wish to convert it to the CTC or CTM designation.

Together, these pathways provide experienced travel professionals with multiple routes to achieving nationally recognized certification—whether through recognized equivalent credentials or by demonstrating extensive industry experience.

As for the benefits, the CTC and CTM designations are recognized across Canada as marks of professionalism and expertise. They validate industry knowledge, build client confidence, and provide respected credentials that help travel advisors stand out in a competitive marketplace.

More than 30,000 Canadians have chosen a career as a travel advisor, and those who earn a CTC or CTM designation are recognized among the most highly qualified professionals in the industry and certified travel advisors enjoy:

• Official ACTA CTC or CTM Certificate – Receive an official ACTA Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC) or Certified Travel Manager (CTM) certificate recognizing your expertise, professional experience, and commitment to excellence.
• Enhanced Professional Credibility – Strengthen your reputation with clients, employers, and industry partners through a nationally recognized professional designation.
• Career Advancement Opportunities – Differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace and support your long-term professional growth and earning potential.
• Dedicated ACTA Support – Access ACTA’s education and certification team for guidance, ongoing professional development, and continued recognition of the CTC and CTM designations.
• Priority Learning Opportunities – Receive priority access to ACTA’s best-in-class Immersive Destination Learning Experiences, International Conferences, and other professional development opportunities.
• Official ACTA Certification Pin – Display your CTC or CTM designation with an official certification pin that reflects your professional achievement and commitment to excellence.
• National Consumer Recognition – Be featured in ACTA’s Find a Travel Advisor directory at www.bookwithatraveladvisor.ca, helping consumers identify certified travel professionals.

For more on ACTA’s certification pathways, go to www.acta.ca/professionaldev-and-online-courses.php