Mentoring Program: TIME Canada Launches to Invest in the Future of the Travel Industry

TIME Canada (Travel Industry Mentor Experience), a not-for-profit mentoring program dedicated to developing and retaining the next generation of travel, tourism, hospitality, cruise, and aviation professionals, has officially launched in Canada. 

The program’s website is now live, marking the beginning of a new chapter for an industry-led initiative with a proven record across Australia and New Zealand.

Founded in Australia in 2009 by travel entrepreneur and advocate Penny Spencer, TIME has connected hundreds of emerging professionals with experienced industry mentors through a structured, one-on-one mentoring program. 

More than fifteen years and sixty-three cohorts later, the program reports that its graduates are leading travel businesses, shaping industry policy, and giving back as mentors themselves. 

TIME Canada says it is now bringing this model to one of the world’s most vibrant travel markets — at a moment when the industry needs it most.

“Watching TIME grow from one idea into a movement has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Penny Spencer, Chair and Founder, TIME Canada.

“Launching TIME in Canada is both an honour and an exciting new chapter. I can’t wait to see a community built on generosity, connection, and mentorship come to life, creating opportunities, lifelong relationships, and inspiring the next generation of travel professionals.”

Now Streaming: TIME Canada Featured on The Travel Trend Podcast

TIME Canada was recently featured on The Travel Trend Podcast with host Dan Christian. The episode, Company Spotlight: TIME Comes to Canada: Building the Next Generation of Travel Leaders, is now available to stream and offers Canadian travel industry professionals a first look at the TIME program — its origins, its impact, and what participation as a mentor, mentee, or partner looks like in practice. You can listen here.

Mark Your Calendar: TIME Canada Inaugural Launch Event — September 23

TIME Canada will host an inaugural launch event on Tuesday, September 23 in Toronto,  welcoming the program’s first Canadian cohort of mentees alongside industry partners, mentors and supporters. 

The event will be keynoted by Penny Spencer, who will travel from Sydney to mark the occasion, and will feature perspectives from TIME graduates in Australia and New Zealand — living proof of what structured mentorship can do for a career and for an industry.

The launch event is by invitation. Industry professionals, organizations, and media interested in attending or learning more about TIME Canada are encouraged to reach out directly.

“There is something truly special and exciting about building this from the ground up,” said Edith Beaudoin, Country Program Manager, TIME Canada.

“The Canadian travel industry is full of talented, generous people who want to give back, and emerging professionals who are hungry for connection and guidance. TIME Canada is the bridge between those two groups, and I can’t wait to meet this first cohort and see what they go on to achieve.”