ACTA, Spain team up to advance accessible tourism in Canada

ACTA is taking another important step toward advancing accessible tourism in Canada through a new partnership with the Tourist Office of Spain, IMPULSA IGUALDAD and TUR4ALL.

Launching in November 2026, this initiative will equip Canadian travel advisors with the knowledge, tools and confidence to better serve travellers with diverse accessibility needs, while opening the door to a destination learning experience in Spain in 2027.

Accessibility is not a niche or market segment; it is a fundamental part of society that touches every aspect of the travel experience.

Through live virtual training and self-paced online learning, participating advisors will develop practical expertise in identifying accessibility needs, evaluating travel experiences and planning accessible journeys.

Advisors who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to be considered for a curated destination experience in Spain in 2027, where they can explore accessible destinations, experiences and tourism resources firsthand.

Suzanne Acton-Gervais, President of ACTA, said that: “Accessible travel is about creating opportunities for more people to experience the world with confidence and dignity. Travel advisors have an important role to play in making that possible.”

Acton-Gervais continued: “Through this partnership with Spain, we are investing in our members’ professional development while helping move our industry forward. Building greater awareness, knowledge and confidence around accessibility benefits travellers, strengthens our profession and reinforces the value of working with a professional travel advisor.”

The training program will provide participating advisors with practical tools to understand travellers’ accessibility requirements, assess accessibility throughout the travel journey and recommend experiences using reliable, destination-specific information.

The live webinars, led by the Tourist Office of Spain in Canada, will take place on Nov. 25, 2026, Dec. 9, 2026, and Feb. 4, 2027.

Participants must attend all three webinars and complete the accompanying self-paced online training and TUR4ALL platform modules.

ACTA Members can register for the program here: www.acta.ca/accessible-tourism-trainingprogram.php

Isabel Martín Benítez, Tourism Counselor at the Tourist Office of Spain in Canada, said: “This partnership comes at a very special moment, as it coincides with the launch of Spain for All, our new program showcasing Spain as one of the best-prepared countries in the world to welcome travellers with accessibility needs.”

She continued: “Travel advisors are key to bringing that message to Canadians, and this is the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting relationship with ACTA to position Spain as a leading destination for accessible travel in the Canadian market.”

This initiative builds on ACTA’s growing commitment to advancing accessible tourism and supporting travel advisors who specialize in serving travellers with diverse needs.

Earlier this year, ACTA launched its Accessible Travel Advisor Directory, helping connect travellers with ACTA Members who have experience and expertise in accessible travel. The directory currently features 42 travel advisors, with additional members being welcomed on an ongoing basis.

Advisors currently featured in ACTA’s Accessible Travel Advisor Directory will receive priority access to the new training opportunity. Following the initial registration period, remaining spaces will be made available to other ACTA Members.

Together with its partners, ACTA is helping build a more knowledgeable, confident and inclusive travel industry—one where accessibility is recognized as an essential part of delivering exceptional travel experiences.

Go to www.acta.ca/accessible-traveldirectory.php .