Which kind of travel requires special licensing under TICO's regulations?

Special licensing under TICO's regulations is required for travel packages that include both transportation and accommodation because these packages are considered to involve a higher level of consumer protection. The regulations ensure that consumers are adequately informed and protected when they buy a combination of services that together constitute a package deal.

Travel agencies offering these types of products must be registered with TICO and meet specific financial and regulatory standards to ensure that customer payments are safeguarded. This includes compliance with provisions related to trust accounting and the protection of travelers' funds, which is critical when multiple components (like flights and lodging) are bundled into a single purchase.

On the other hand, individual airline tickets, hotel bookings, and car rentals typically do not require the same level of regulatory oversight since they are sold as distinct, standalone services. These do not present the same risk to consumers as comprehensive packages where multiple elements are intertwined, making the requirement for special licensing primarily relevant to packages that combine several travel services.