TORONTO — ACTA is asking all Ontario travel agency registrants to support its efforts and advocate to the Ontario government to “fix” the Travel Industry Act.

ACTA’s campaign comes following the last days of TICO’s month-long consultation period on its five proposals to update the funding framework and Comp Fund.

Coverage from TICO’s Oct. 5 briefing on its five proposals, which kicked off the month-long consultation period, can be found here.

ACTA’s view is that the 40-year-old legislation and its regulations, “in no way” reflect the environment of the Ontario travel industry today. “The Ontario regulatory system is broken,” says ACTA in a statement issued today. “ACTA has publicly and repeatedly stated that the TICO proposals are essentially cosmetic changes  – and simply band-aids on a broken system. The proposed funding framework is not based on the risk profile of the registrant, and the consumer is not legislated to contribute, leaving the burden squarely on the shoulders of Ontario travel agencies and tour operators. The window to change the system is open now and it could be years before it is opened again.”

ACTA’s call echoes CATO’s, issued earlier this month.

ACTA is asking agencies to use ACTA’s quick and easy template to send an impactful letter to their Member of Provincial Parliament with copies to the Premier and key Cabinet Ministers; click here.

In addition, ACTA Ontario Members are encouraged to share their story and support the need for a modernized, relevant, and fair Ontario Travel Industry Act by sending a personal letter to their MPP. This is a very powerful way to connect with decision makers. ACTA Members are encouraged to do so and share a copy with ACTA at advocacy@acta.ca.

The deadline to submit letters, both auto-generated and personal, is Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. ACTA will be meeting with senior Ontario government officials on Nov. 30, 2023, and members’ letters will support ACTA’s message in preparation for its government meetings.