Ontario Government to update Travel Industry Act
Full Price Disclosure Means No More "Sticker Shock" For the Travelling Public
 TORONTO -- June 27, 2005 -- The Ontario government is implementing new consumer protection measures that will provide travellers with accurate pricing by eliminating hidden costs.
The Travel Industry Act will set out clear rules to protect consumers so there are no surprises when Ontarians purchase travel services through registered travel agents and wholesalers.
"We've all seen the ads touting unbelievably low prices for hot destinations, only to find that the final price can be more than twice what was advertised once surcharges and other fees are included," said Minister of Consumer and Business Services Jim Watson. "And now because the advertised price will be the final price, consumers can find last-minute deals with no last-minute surprises."
The new law will come into effect on July 1, 2005 with the following benefits:
- Consumers must receive full disclosure of relevant information before purchasing travel services and notification of any changes after the travel services have been purchased
- The Ontario Travel Compensation Fund will pay costs to return Ontario consumers who are stranded abroad, as well as compensate consumers who have paid for, but not received, travel services purchased through registered Ontario travel agents and wholesalers
- Travel agencies and wholesalers will be required to disclose the availability of both cancellation and out-of-province health insurance when making a sale
- Consumers' deposits must be placed into trust accounts, which will further protect their money – or registrants can post security with Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) in place of trust accounts.
"We fully support this new legislation because it gives agents and wholesalers a level playing field on which to compete, " said Michael Pepper, president and CEO of TICO. "When travellers book their travel services with registered Ontario travel agents, the stricter consumer protection laws will safeguard their rights and promote a competitive travel industry in Ontario."
For more information about the Travel Industry Act, 2002 and consumer protection visit the Ministry of Government Services' website or call the ministry at (416) 326-8800 in Toronto or toll free at 1-800-889-9768. For information on the Travel Industry Council of Ontario call
1-888-451-TICO or visit the TICO website.
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