ACTA President Wendy Paradis to Retire

ACTA president Wendy Paradis is retiring after 9 years of leadership.

Paradis plans to step down later this year once a replacement is found but will stay on in a consulting position throughout 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.

“The past nine years as ACTA’s President have been filled with tremendous opportunities and at times, significant industry challenges. I have been fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated ACTA team and a strong National Board of Directors,” said Paradis.

She added: “I’m proud of the Canadian and global travel and tourism industry collaborations we have built and I’m confident by working together our industry will continue to have tremendous success!”

Paradis joined ACTA in 2016 and has four decades of experience in the Canadian travel industry. She began as a travel advisor with Eaton’s Travel before moving into positions with Thomas Cook Travel as Travel Manager, Marlin Travel as a Director and eventually becoming Vice President at CAA Travel South Central Ontario. For the past nine years, Paradis has also represented Canada globally as a board member and the current Chair of the World Travel Agency Association Alliance (WTAAA).

But it is her efforts during the pandemic on behalf of travel advisors and agencies that perhaps has her the most recognized. When the travel industry was shut down, Paradis led ACTA in advocating at every government level for much-needed financial support for travel advisors and agencies. Earlier this week, Paradis reminded advisors of that commitment and dedication to support during the new and potentially devastating challenges in the travel industry from imposed US tariffs.

“Working with Wendy over the past few years has been both an honour and a privilege. Her leadership, at all times, but most especially during the pandemic, has been nothing short of amazing. Through it all she has led with professionalism and empathy for the all industry stakeholders,” said ACTA Board Chair, Monica Johnstone. “She has addressed issues that needed to be dealt with and is leaving the industry in a much better place. The ACTA Board, staff and industry are losing an icon. Wendy will be missed but we wish her the best for the next chapter.”

The ACTA Board of Directors has hired Executive Search Firm, PSG Leadership to conduct the search for a new ACTA President. The position will be posted on the ACTA website in the coming days.