NEWS
After another virtual AGM, ACTA has its board of directors for 2021 - 2022
Jamaica to host first-ever Virtual Product Showcase for Canadian agents KINGSTON — The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will be hosting its first-ever Virtual Product Showcase, an exclusive one-day-only destination experience for Canadian retail agents. Taking place July 20 from 1-3 p.m. EDT on Zoom, the showcase will include destination presentations from the BDM team and suppliers as well as breakout rooms where agents can connect with resort representatives, tour operators, attractions, airlines and ground services. Participating suppliers include Air Canada Vacations, WestJet, Sunwing, TravelBrands, Ocean Hotels, Blue Diamond Resorts, Tryall Club and Transat. In addition to learning about the latest destination news and resources, including updates on the Jamaica Travel Specialist program, participants will have multiple chances to win complimentary hotel stays, island tours and more prizes. “We look forward to connecting with our valued travel agent partners this summer for our first-ever Virtual Product Showcase,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board. “While we wish we could meet in person, this engaging and interactive platform will provide us with a unique opportunity to bring together agents from across the country to participate in an afternoon of destination education, networking, games and in-
credible prizes.” Travel agents are invited to pre-register for the Jamaica Virtual Product Showcase at visitjamaica.com/canada/ showcase. To further keep Jamaica top of mind among travel agents, the JTB team is also hosting seasonally-inspired giveaways this summer.
“While we wish we could meet in person, this engaging and interactive platform will provide us with a unique opportunity to bring together agents from across the country.” With the Jamaica Short Story contest (open until Aug. 15), travel agents can write a short story about their most unforgettable Jamaican memories and experiences for a chance to win one of three cash prizes. Agents can upload their island-inspired stories (1,000 words or less) at visitjamaica.com/ canada/contest. For more information about Jamaica’s ongoing engagement initiatives and giveaways for Canadian travel agents, including the Irie Hour virtual program and Jamaica Training University, go to visitjamaica.com/canada.
TORONTO — For the second year in a row ACTA’s AGM was a virtual event, presided over by Mary Jane Hiebert CTC, Chair of the ACTA Board of Directors. ACTA’s year-end results allowed the organization to manage the anticipated losses in 2021 and as government subsidies wind down, ACTA President Wendy Paradis says ACTA will work closely with the Board Finance Committee to ensure that ACTA continues to be sustainable into 2022 and beyond. ACTA Treasurer Louise Gardiner presented the financial statements and Auditor’s Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The timing of the pandemic was such that ACTA had already collected the majority of revenue from membership and partnerships. In addition the ACTA board worked with ACTA management to make strategic decisions to effectively manage priorities and resources to better position the organization in the months and years ahead. At the end of 2020, the decision was made to not renew the office lease, and two staff positions were eliminated. ACTA was eligible for wage and rent subsidies which reduced expenses. At the June 23 AGM Hiebert thanked ACTA’s current board of directors for continuing to serve for an extended term while the travel industry copes with the ongoing COVID-19 challenges. Hiebert also thanked outgoing directors André Desmarais, Andrew Enns, Eric Holenka and Michael Thompson. Members voted on the nine positions available to the Board of Directors and the newly elected Board of Directors appointed three positions, to round out the 12-person Board. Here’s a look at the ACTA Board of Directors for the year 2021-2022: Mary Jane Hiebert CTC – Chair, representing Manitoba/Nunavut region Liz Fleming – Vice Chair, representing British Columbia/Yukon region Louise Gardiner CTM, – Treasurer, Director at Large Peter Keyter, representing Alberta/ Northwest Territories region Karen Schabel CTM, representing Saskatchewan region Mike Foster CTC, representing Ontario June 30, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 15
