Executive Director’s Message
Dear CITAP+ Members,
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits as we move forward into another dynamic season in our industry. In these times of tariffs and uncertainty, CITAP+ remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our members and working alongside our industry partners to navigate the evolving landscape of inbound travel to Canada.
Currently, our Advocacy Committee is actively collaborating with key industry stakeholders to educate various government agencies on the unintended consequences of last-minute tariffs and municipal taxes. These unexpected costs, often applied with little notice after consumers have already purchased their trips through a Receptive Tour Operator (RTO), create significant challenges for our industry. Our goal is to ensure that policymakers understand the real impact these decisions have on our visitors and the businesses that serve them.
In addition to our advocacy efforts, we are in the process of developing an RTO Round Table session and FAM Tours to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among our members. These initiatives will provide opportunities to strengthen relationships, exchange best practices, and reinforce the vital role of RTOs in Canada’s tourism industry.
We are also pleased to share that I will be attending Rendezvous Canada this May on behalf of CITAP+. We encourage members who are interested in committee work or who have insights to share to connect during the event.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to CITAP+. Together, we will continue to strengthen our industry and create meaningful experiences for travelers to Canada.
Best regards,
Joe Volk
Executive Director, CITAP+
Interview with CITAP+ CUS Board Member: Natasha Elias, Program Manager, Global Sales, WestJet
CITAP+ is pleased to introduce Natasha Elias, WestJet. Natasha shares with us some professional insights as well as a few tidbits from her personal life…
- How has your experience in the airline industry shaped your perspective on the importance of tourism in our region?
Throughout my aviation career, I’ve had the privilege of working on both destination marketing and international sales, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the vital role airlines play in boosting tourism and the importance of collaborating with DMOs. Having traveled across Canada from coast to coast, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible beauty our country has to offer, especially the hidden gems that many tourists aren’t aware of. Airlines are essential in connecting travelers to these destinations, and we make it possible for people from all over the world to explore Canada.
- What inspired you to pursue a career in the airline industry, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
My passion for travel and exploring new cultures has been a driving force from a young age. Whether for education or work, I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to travel extensively, which naturally led me to pursue a career in aviation. I love the idea of connecting people from all corners of the globe and creating memorable experiences for them along the way. Although I’m relatively new to the airline industry, my journey continues to evolve. With each new experience, I’m gaining valuable insights into how aviation plays a crucial role in fostering global connections, and I’m excited to continue growing within this dynamic sector.
- Can you share a memorable travel experience that has significantly influenced your perspective on tourism?
Some of my favorite destinations include Italy, Indonesia, New Zealand, and India. Each has left a lasting impression on me due to its unique culture, history, and charm. From these travels, I’ve realized how important it is to cater to all types of travelers—whether it’s families, solo adventurers, food enthusiasts, retirees, shoppers, or those seeking local attractions. The beauty of these destinations lies in their ability to offer something for everyone, which is why they attract such diverse groups of travelers. It’s a reminder that successful destinations create experiences that appeal to a wide range of interests and preferences.
- Beyond your professional role, what hobbies or interests are you passionate about?
When I’m not traveling for work, I really enjoy spending time at home with my family. Cooking and hosting parties or game nights for friends and family are some of my favorite activities. I also love having a quiet weekend to relax—catching up on reading, discovering new shows, or simply getting some much-needed rest.
- If you could visit any destination in the world that you haven’t yet explored, where would it be and why?
If I could choose any destination I haven’t yet explored, it would be South America. I’m especially drawn to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. Each country offers rich culture, diverse cuisine, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. I’m fascinated by the variety of experiences South America has to offer, and I hope to visit very soon!
Glue Up: Welcome to CITAP+’s New Membership Platform
CITAP+ is excited to launch Glue Up, our new website platform designed to streamline your membership experience. With Glue Up, members can easily renew memberships, update contact information, and connect with others through the platform.
All members should have received an email with a link to create and activate their Glue Up account. We encourage everyone to sign up promptly and ensure their contact details are up to date. If there have been any changes within your organization, please update your personnel information as well.
Join us on Glue Up and enjoy a more seamless CITAP+ experience!
Save the Date! 2025 CITAP+ Winter Function
Mark your calendars!
The 2025 CITAP+ Winter Function will take place on Tuesday, December 2nd at the Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront in Downtown Vancouver.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s event!
RTO Market Reports
Market updates are written by Receptive Tour Operator members and in this issue we have updates from the following markets: US, Mexico, Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Enjoy their anecdotal assessment of each of our markets with a combination of overview, economy, and forecast. Read the full report here.
Members’ Corner
In this Members’ corner, our members have shared their latest updates with us. Click below to read!
