TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) is launching an opportunity for Ontario's travel industry to provide input on how travel consumer protection is delivered in Ontario.
In a statement, TICO said travel retailers and wholesalers are essential in ensuring its consumer protection mandate is embraced and delivered to consumers effectively and efficiently.
A new approach
The purpose of TICO's Industry Advisory Council (IAC) is to provide guidance and advice to the Board of Directors and senior management in executing TICO's mandate.
TICO is launching two new councils – IAC to hear directly from the industry, while a separate Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) will be dedicated to receiving consumer feedback.
The previous Consumer and Industry Advisory Committee (CIAC) was dissolved effective 31DEC 2023.
Members of the new councils – the IAC and CAC – are expected to have a positive orientation towards TICO's consumer protection mandate.
Recruiting members for the IAC
TICO will select members for its new IAC, which will become active as of 01APR 2024.
"Using a selection process, our goal is to select up to 14 new members for the inaugural council," TICO said.
The goal is to select members representing a broad range of registrant business models reflective of different products, delivery channels, and consumer groups across the province.
TICO stated that in addition to a positive orientation to consumer protection, it is also looking for prospective members who:
- Understand and embrace TICO's consumer protection mandate;
- Considered by peers as independent thinkers recognized for consensus building with strong strategic, risk management, communications and teamwork skills;
- Represent the diversity of Ontario, willing to consider a broad range of perspectives, and
- Have unquestionable integrity, credibility and high ethical standards.
The IAC will meet four times per year.
Apply to join the IAC
Interested applicants who wish to represent the travel sector perspective and contribute to the future of TICO's consumer protection mandate should complete this short online application form and send a resume to IACapplications@tico.ca.
The application deadline is Friday, 16FEB 2024, at 4 pm.
A detailed Terms of Reference is available here, which provides further details, context and expectations for future IAC members. Like similar public sector councils, members should expect a reasonable but thorough review of their candidacy, including an interview and necessary background checks.
A standard per diem will be paid to members attending meetings to encourage participation further and reflect the expected modest time commitment.
Membership will only be permitted on one TICO council if there is interest in applying to the CAC.
More information about the CAC and membership requirements will be sent separately.
Any questions can be directed to tico@tico.ca.
