What is the main purpose of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) in this context?

The primary purpose of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is to regulate the travel industry in Ontario and to protect consumers. This includes overseeing travel sellers and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. TICO’s role is to maintain professionalism within the industry and to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and transparently. This involves implementing standards and practices that safeguard customers’ rights and financial interests when purchasing travel services.

The focus on consumer protection is critical, as it helps to build trust in the travel industry, ensuring that consumers can rely on travel agents and services. By regulating practices within the industry, TICO also addresses issues related to consumer complaints, fraud, and ensuring that businesses adhere to ethical practices.

While luxury travel experiences, travel insurance, and commissions for travel agents are all components of the travel industry, they do not encapsulate the overarching regulatory and protective role that TICO serves in maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment for consumers. Hence, the emphasis on regulation and consumer protection distinctly highlights TICO's mandate and objective in the context of the travel industry.