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

The main purpose of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is to regulate the travel industry and provide consumer protection. This involves ensuring that travel agencies and tour operators adhere to the laws and regulations set forth under the Travel Industry Act, which aims to protect consumers in their travel transactions. TICO oversees the licensing of travel agencies and the registration of travel salespersons, ensuring that only qualified entities can operate in the industry. Additionally, TICO provides a compensation fund to safeguard consumers in cases where travel agencies fail to deliver services as promised, further enhancing consumer protection.

While promoting travel agencies may be a secondary function that coincides with consumer protection, it is not TICO's main directive. Offering travel packages and managing tourism marketing are more related to the operational aspects of travel businesses and tourism boards, rather than the regulatory and protective role that TICO holds. Therefore, the focus on regulation and consumer protection distinctly outlines TICO's primary purpose within the context of the travel industry.