No More Hidden Fees When Booking a Vacation

Jul 10, 2017 @ 22:46

Vacations should be relaxing, and planning one should be too. Ontario has taken steps to help people make informed decisions when booking travel by increasing consumer protection and transparency.

As of January 1, 2017, Ontario travel agents and wholesalers are now required to display the total cost, including all taxes and fees, in any advertisements that include price of travel. All-in pricing reduces confusion and prevents surprises for consumers who purchase travel services in the province, such as all-inclusive vacations.

To help further protect consumers buying travel services and reduce burden on businesses, the government is looking for feedback on possible additional changes to requirements for Ontario travel agents and wholesalers. To participate in the consultations visit ontario.ca/TravelActReview before July 24, 2017.

Strengthening consumer protection is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy, and help people in their everyday lives.

QUICK FACTS

• In 2016, up to 79 per cent of travel bookings were made online
• The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is the designated administrative authority that administers and enforces the Travel Industry Act requirements.
• Travel agents and wholesalers operating in Ontario must be registered under the Travel Industry Act
• More than 1,740 people and organizations have participated in the Travel Industry Act review to date

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Learn more about you rights when booking travel services. 
• Participate in the Travel Industry Act review.

 

“All-in-pricing provides transparency and reduces confusion for consumers in Ontario who are looking to book vacations. Our government is committed to further strengthening consumer protection in the travel industry, that is why we are reviewing the Travel Industry Act and encourage people from across the province to participate in the consultations.” — Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Government and Consumer Services

“We are very pleased to be working with the government on its comprehensive review of Ontario’s Travel Industry Act and Regulation. Along with the recent introduction of the all-in-pricing requirement, we are pleased with the prospect of further modernization to the legislation to enhance consumer protection in the province as well as lessen burden to business.” — Richard Smart, CEO & President, Travel Industry Council of Ontario