Popular Credentials Suppliers May Look For

ACTA stands for the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors. It is Canada’s national non-profit association representing travel agencies and independent travel advisors. ACTA membership may help show professional involvement in the Canadian travel industry. ACTA members may receive access to resources, webinars, professional development, listings, member benefits, and a digital membership card if eligible. 

How to obtain it:
Apply through ACTA under the correct membership category, such as travel agency membership or independent travel advisor membership.

Cost:
ACTA fees vary by membership type and agency/advisor category. Verify the current fee directly with ACTA before joining.

CLIA stands for Cruise Lines International Association. Suppliers, especially cruise suppliers, may recognize CLIA membership or a CLIA Industry ID. CLIA offers both Individual Agent Membership and Travel Agency Membership. For 2026, CLIA lists Individual Agent Membership at $139 USD/year, and Travel Agency Membership at $429 USD/year. 

How to obtain it:
Join through CLIA. Individual advisors may need to be affiliated with a CLIA member agency or host agency, depending on the membership type.

Cost:

• Individual Agent Membership: $139 USD/year 
• Travel Agency Membership: $429 USD/year

IATA accreditation is an agency-level accreditation that can help travel agencies work more directly with airlines and access airline ticketing systems through the Billing and Settlement Plan. IATA describes accreditation as providing a recognized agency code, airline relationships, ticketing authority, and access to payment/ticketing tools depending on the accreditation type. 

IATAN is the U.S. IATA accreditation division. IATAN lists accreditation fees of $280 USD for head office/branch and $450 USD for corporate travel departments. It also lists requirements such as proof of legal business form, travel business activity, financial standing, qualified staff, licensing, and E&O insurance unless waived. 

How to obtain it:
Apply through IATA or IATAN, depending on location and business type. This is usually more relevant for agencies than brand-new individual advisors.

Cost:

• IATA Canada/global: verify current fee through IATA. 
• IATAN U.S.: $280 USD or $450 USD depending on category.