Expanding In Canada

The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) is seeing record growth, forming seven new chapters in some of the most important markets in North America. This expansion reaches across the border into Canada, where a new chapter has now formed in Eastern Ontario. The new Eastern Ontario Chapter is based in Ottawa with co-directors Jerry and Alain Goudreault, founders of AJ Travel.

Ann van Leeuwen, NACTA president, made the announcement at the opening of the NACTA Annual Convention, and expansion of its chapter network coincides with a 95% increase in new member growth this year compared with 2013.

Said van Leeuwen: “NACTA chapters, under the leadership of Chapter Directors, are an integral part of our success, allowing for local networking on issues and education relevant to the independent travel consultant.”

These additions expand the NACTA portfolio of chapters to almost 50 locations in the U.S. and Canada, according to NACTA vice-president of sales & industry relations, Bob Duglin. “We’re very proud of each of these local travel professionals and leaders who have stepped up and are serving as a leader of their community within the travel industry.”

Another recent addition is a new chapter in Hawai’i, site of NACTA’s 2015 Annual Conference. at the Sheraton Kona Resort at Keauhou Bay,” said Duglin.

From the Northeast U.S., new chapters include Delaware Valley comprising the greater Philadelphia Metro area, the New York City Chapter, spun off from the Long Island Chapter, and Northern Virginia.

In Florida, NACTA has expanded to three chapters in South Florida because of growth of the Fort Lauderdale-based South Florida NACTA Chapter.