The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) announced that nominations are now being accepted for its second annual ATLAS Awards. Launched in 2007 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Association, these awards honour those individuals and businesses whose accomplishments and efforts represent a significant contribution to the travel industry and had a positive impact on its development and growth.

ACTA is accepting nominations until March 28, 2008 for the following awards:

• Travel Professional of the Year
• Allied Member of the Year
• Travel Agency of the Year
• Personality of the Year
• The Ches Chard Award, created in memory of Ches Chard, who played a key role in the development of the industry’s education programs. 

A regional process will select one finalist per region in each category by next spring. The regional finalists will then take part in the ATLAS National Awards, with a panel selecting one winner in each category. The ATLAS Awards will be presented at a gala dinner held in Montreal on June 12, 2008.

“ACTA introduced this awards program last year to recognize and celebrate excellence among its members. Our industry is growing and if we want to sustain this growth we have to impose an image of professionalism and excellence. That’s why we believe in this recognition program and want to grow it and give it as much visibility as possible with the travel consumer,” commented Christiane Theberge, President and CEO of ACTA.