The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has relaunched its public agency search tool, a real-time directory of the 1,900 travel agencies, booking websites and tour operators that are registered with TICO.

TICO says the functionality is part of mandate to foster transparency to provide Ontarians with “the details they need to make informed decisions when choosing a travel company.”

Previously, information regarding suspensions, revocations, charges and convictions was spread across various areas of TICO’s website. This information is now consolidated into a single, streamlined search tool.

Additionally, the updated search tool includes details about companies that are no longer registered with TICO, ensuring consumers have full visibility when researching travel companies.

“We believe these improvements to the search tool will enhance consumer confidence when selecting a travel company,” said TICO CEO Richard Smart. “By consolidating key information into one tool, we are making it easier than ever for consumers to access the details they need to make informed and confident choices.”

In the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario’s value-for-money audit of TICO, it was recommended that TICO provide detailed compliance and enforcement information about all registered companies on its public directory.

As part of TICO’s consumer awareness campaign, Ontarians are encouraged to visit TICO’s search tool to verify that they are booking with a registered travel agency, booking website or tour operator. TICO’s consumer protection is only available when a consumer books their travel through a TICO-registered company.

The search tool can be found at tico.ca/search.

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