Air Canada Future Tourism Leaders Contest 2026
Air Canada, in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), invites applications for the 2026 Air Canada Future Tourism Leaders Contest.
We are seeking FOUR students who are shaping the future of tourism and bringing forward bold, practical ideas aligned with this year’s Tourism Congress theme:
2026 Theme
ACCESS: Unlocking Canada’s Tourism Advantage
What winners receive
Complimentary registration
TIAC’s Tourism Congress & Canadian Tourism Awards
(November 17–19, 2026 | Fredericton, NB)
Hotel accommodation
Two nights’ hotel accommodation
(Nov. 17–18)
Round-trip airfare
Provided by Air Canada in economy class.
Future Leaders Luncheon
Participation in the Air Canada Future Leaders Luncheon, including a featured student panel.
National recognition
Recognition in front of national tourism industry leaders.
Eligibility
Full-time students enrolled in a Travel, Tourism, Hospitality, or related program at an accredited Canadian college or university during the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Proof of enrolment is required.
- Work Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada without the need for current or future employer sponsorship.
Equity, diversity & inclusion
Optional Self-Identification
As part of our commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within Canada’s tourism sector, applicants will have the option to complete a voluntary self-identification section.
This information:
- Is entirely optional
- Will be used in aggregate only to support program evaluation and inclusive outreach
- Will not be used in the selection or judging process
All responses will be kept confidential and managed in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.
Video submission
Maximum length: 2 minutes
Submit a short video showcasing your ideas on how to unlock Canada’s tourism advantage.
Your submission should include:
- A brief introduction (name, school, province)
- Your perspective on the future of tourism in Canada
- One practical idea that addresses a key ACCESS challenge, whether related to talent, investment, or market access
- Why you should be selected as a Future Tourism Leader
Submissions should reflect solutions and thinking across key areas:
Talent/Labour
Capital & Investment
Transportation & Market Access
Judging criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
Relevance to Theme
Clear alignment with ACCESS: Unlocking Canada’s Tourism Advantage.
Practicality & Impact
Strength of ideas and potential for real-world application.
Originality
Fresh thinking and innovative approaches.
Clarity of Communication
Ability to clearly and effectively present ideas.
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for follow-up. Contest closes September 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
QUESTIONS? Please contact Congress@tiac-aitc.ca.