WHAT IS COVERED BY THECOMPENSATION FUND?
The Compensation Fund reimburses for the cost of "travel services" when payment was made to a registered Ontario travel agent and services were not provided due to the bankruptcy or insolvency of either a registered Ontario travel agent, a registered Ontario wholesaler or due to the cessation of an airline or cruise line. The Travel Industry Act defines travel service to mean "transportation, sleeping accommodation or other service for the use of a traveller, tourist or sightseer".
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THE COMPENSATION FUND?
Claims on the Fund must be related to the non-provision of travel services and not to the cost, value or quality of the travel services provided.
Ineligible items include taxes, insurance and the cost of alternate (replacement) travel. Discount certificates, vouchers, prizes, or any goodwill gestures used in lieu of payment by cash, cheque or credit card are also not eligible for compensation.
Any payment for travel services subjects you to the respective terms and conditions of sale for that product. If you cancel your travel services after any payment, non-refundable payments are not eligible for compensation from the Compensation Fund.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- Be sure your travel agency is registered. Only purchase travel services through a company holding a retail travel registration with TICO.
- Obtain a receipt and keep receipts and/or invoices for all money transactions. These documents must outline details of the travel services that you have purchased.
- Retain all original documents including receipts, invoices, returned cheques, credit card slips, credit card statements, in case you need to file a claim.
- Rely on your travel agent. Should problems occur, contact your travel agent immediately, for assistance.
Travel Industry Council of Ontario
2700 Matheson Blvd. East
Suite 402, West Tower
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4V9
Tel:(905)624-6241
Fax: (905)624-8631
Toll Free 1-888-451-TICO
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario's mission statement is:
"To promote a fair and informed marketplace where consumers can be confident in their travel purchases"