Which regulatory body oversees the travel industry in Ontario?

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is the designated regulatory body overseeing the travel industry in Ontario. Established in 1997, TICO’s primary mission is to promote a fair and informed marketplace in the travel sector. This includes enforcing the provisions of the Travel Industry Act, ensuring that travel retailers and wholesalers are compliant with regulations regarding the sale of travel services, and providing consumer protection.

TICO's responsibilities include licensing travel agencies and agents, administering a compensation fund for consumers in case of the insolvency of a licensed travel agency, and providing education to both industry stakeholders and consumers about their rights and responsibilities. This makes TICO a pivotal organization in ensuring the integrity and professionalism of Ontario’s travel industry, as well as safeguarding consumer interests.

The other choices, such as the Ontario Tourism Authority, Ontario Consumer Protection Agency, and Provincial Travel Commission, do not have the same specific regulatory oversight and functions relating to travel transactions within the province. Their roles may involve tourism promotion or general consumer protection, but they do not focus exclusively on the regulatory framework governing travel industry practices in Ontario like TICO does.