The Accessible Travel Advisor Directory from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) is now live. After a months-long application and vetting process, ACTA is pleased to provide this resource of 34 travel advisors with special experience and expertise in accessible travel.
“For the first time, travellers with accessibility needs have a place to turn to find qualified travel advisors who truly understand their realities, not just on paper, but through lived experience and genuine empathy,” says Tanya Rabe, Accessibility Specialist, Right Foot Adventures and a member of ACTA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) committee. “My hope is that this directory reassures travellers that they don’t have to advocate alone, and that there are professionals who truly get it and are committed to helping travellers of all abilities experience the world with confidence.”
The initiative is part of ACTA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility and reinforces its dedication to advancing accessibility across Canada’s travel industry. The directory addresses a gap in the industry by providing a trusted, centralized resource for Canadians seeking support in accessible travel.
Related: Desire for Accessible Travel Moving to the Mainstream
“This work is about dignity, confidence, and being seen — and about changing how our industry shows up for travellers with accessibility needs,” says Rabe. “As a person with a disability, I know firsthand how overwhelming, isolating, and discouraging travel planning can feel when accessibility is uncertain or misunderstood.”
The directory can also serve as a referral tool for travel advisors who encounter clients requiring specialized accessibility expertise beyond their own scope of experience. It is now live on the “Find an Advisor” section of the ACTA website, and can also be accessed directly at www.acta.ca/accessible-travel-directory.php
ACTA will continue accepting qualified advisors on a rolling basis to expand the directory and further strengthen accessibility expertise nationwide. To be included in the directory, travel advisors must:
Be a current ACTA member in good standing.Have a minimum of two years of advisory experience. Have completed at least three accessible travel bookings, or one supervised accessible travel case with mentorship.Demonstrate familiarity with common accessibility considerations and potential challenges.
Accessible travel is not a niche — it is a necessity,” said Suzanne Acton-Gervais, President of ACTA. “Every Canadian deserves the opportunity to explore the world with confidence and dignity.
Related: The Future of Travel is Inclusive and Accessible
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