What is the penalty for operating a travel agency without TICO registration?

Operating a travel agency without registration from the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is subject to legal repercussions, including fines and the possibility of legal action. This consequence is in place to ensure consumer protection, as unregistered agencies may not adhere to regulations designed to safeguard travelers' interests. TICO registration is mandatory for all travel businesses to operate legally, and failure to comply can lead to penalties that range from monetary fines to further legal proceedings against the agency.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the consequences of operating an unregistered agency. Mandatory training is typically associated with fulfilling registration requirements rather than a penalty. Increased advertising costs may be a concern for agencies operating legally to attract clients but are not a direct penalty for lack of registration. Finally, the notion that there would be no penalty if profits are under a certain amount is incorrect, as the requirement for registration is based on operating a business rather than the level of profit earned.