Introduction to TICO's Role and Event Planner Regulations
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) oversees the implementation of the Travel Industry Act, 2002, and Ontario Regulation 26/05, which govern the travel industry in Ontario. Event Planners, including wedding planners and corporate event organizers, often engage in activities that overlap with those of travel agents. These guidelines are designed to help Event Planners understand when they need to register with TICO as part of compliance with the Act.
What Constitutes as Travel Services
Event Planners who combine their event management services with travel services, such as transportation and accommodation, must consider TICO's registration requirements. Travel services are defined as transportation or sleeping accommodation for travelers, tourists, or sightseers, and can include other services combined with transportation or accommodation.
When is TICO Registration Required for Event Planners?
- Involvement with Travel Services: If Event Planners are involved in selling, booking, or arranging transportation and/or accommodation as part of their services, they must comply with the Act and Regulation.
- Circumstances Needing Registration: Registration is required if an Event Planner signs contracts for travel services, arranges transportation/accommodations, collects payments, or advertises travel services as part of their event planning.
Examples of Scenarios Requiring TICO Registration
- An Event Planner organizing a corporate event including flights and accommodation, where they handle contracts and payments with travel suppliers, must register with TICO.
- If an Event Planner arranges transportation and accommodations for a wedding and advises clients to make direct payments to travel suppliers, they are acting as a travel counselor and need to register.
When Event Planners May Not Require TICO Registration
Event Planners do not need to register under certain conditions:
- If they do not sign travel service agreements, disburse money for travel services, make bookings, or advertise travel services.
- Collaboration with a TICO registered travel agent, where the Event Planner focuses solely on event organization, not acting as a travel counselor.
Guidelines for Collaborating with TICO Registered Agents
- Event Planners can work with registered travel agents but must not act as travel counselors. They should direct clients to the registered agent for travel service inquiries.
- Any event advertisement by the planner should clearly instruct customers to contact the TICO registered agent directly for travel services.
Disclaimer and Resource Link
These guidelines are intended to aid in understanding and compliance with TICO's regulations but are not exhaustive. For specific inquiries or more detailed information, Event Planners should contact TICO directly. It is also advisable to consult legal advisors for personalized advice on business compliance with the Act and Regulation. The information provided here is a summary and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice. For the complete guidelines and latest updates, visit TICO's Event Planner Guidelines.
