TICO is waiving annual registration renewal fees and Travel Industry Compensation Fund payments (“Form-1”) owed between 01APR, 2021 and 31MAR, 2022, TICO President and CEO Richard Smart announced in a bulletin on 22MAR.
The waiver applies to all registrants registered with TICO as of 31MAR, 2021.
“This will allow registrants to focus on their priority business needs without the added financial stress of meeting certain payment obligations with TICO,” the Ontario travel regulator said.
Registrants subject to the waiver are still required to complete and submit their Registration Renewal Form (without payment) and their Form-1 (without payment) by the filing deadline.
The announcement follows TICO receiving new financial support from the Ontario Government.
“The travel industry has been hard hit during the course of this pandemic. That is why we are providing additional funding to ensure that TICO is able to continue their operations. This funding will also enable TICO to provide some support to registrants through the waiver of registrant fees,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
“We all look forward to a time when we can once again enjoy travel with friends and family; that means ensuring travel agents and wholesalers are supported as our economy recovers.”
This financial relief is in addition to a similar fee waiver for registrants implemented last year for fees owing between 01APR, 2020 and 31MAR, 2021.
“TICO appreciates the continued support of the Ontario government in the provision of financial assistance. We remain focused on maintaining consumer protection and effective regulation of Ontario’s travel industry despite the persistent and extraordinary challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Smart.
“We value the opportunity this assistance affords in enabling us to continue supporting our registrants during this difficult time.”
