The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) is urging Ontario’s travel trade to unite and make their voices heard at the Sept. 24 Travel Industry Council of Ontario annual meeting, particularly in calling for the provincial government to comprehensively review and update the Travel Industry Act, as well as to demand progress on a review of TICO’s own operations as the regulatory body for Ontario’s travel industry.

Jean Hébert, Executive Director of CATO, says he hopes a “concrete plan” on both matters will be announced at the AGM with “immediate action” at hand, but is hoping for a strong online turnout by provincial stakeholders and citizen of the province to help hold the government “accountable.”

Claiming the review process, which has been under way for over a year, has so far seen “little progress,” and has in fact been recommended in a report by the auditor general, Hébert says, “We cannot afford to delay any longer. The travel industry is facing unprecedented challenges, and a modernized regulatory framework is crucial for its future success.

“We ask the government to act on its commitment to conduct a comprehensive review of the Travel Industry Act, 2002 and its regulation, and take decisive action to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations.”

To pre-register for on the livecast platform (before 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20), go to https://livecast.live/webinars/ticoagm/

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