How is TICO funded?

TICO, which stands for the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, is funded primarily through the fees collected from travel agents and agencies. This funding model ensures that TICO has the necessary resources to regulate the travel industry in Ontario, protect consumers, and support industry standards. The fees charged are typically associated with the licensing and ongoing compliance of travel businesses operating within the province.

This self-funding approach allows TICO to operate independently from government funding, which can sometimes come with restrictions or requirements that might not align with TICO's primary mission of consumer protection and industry regulation. As a result, relying on fees from travel agents and agencies helps maintain its focus on the needs of both travelers and the industry professionals it oversees.

Other options like government grants, donations from consumers, or membership dues are not the primary means of funding for TICO. Relying on these sources could introduce challenges such as ensuring consistent funding levels or aligning interests across different stakeholders.