Travel agencies

You might choose to have a travel agent help you book your next vacation. Here’s what you need to know about using the services of a travel agency.

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Choosing a travel agency or agent

Here are some questions to ask before choosing a travel agent:

  • Is the travel agent licensed in your province or territory?
  • Has the agent completed a training program?
  • Has the agent travelled widely?
  • How many years has the agent or agency been in business?
  • Does the agent or agency belong to a travel agents' association or related organization?

Licensed travel agents

In some Canadian jurisdictions, travel agents must be licensed or registered. Check with your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office to find out what requirements exist in your region.

Members of travel associations

Many travel agents or agencies belong to professional travel associations. Members may be required to meet certain requirements for training, staffing and financing, and often must follow a code of ethics and standards.

Here are the names of a few of these associations:

Choosing a travel agent or agency affiliated with these groups does not guarantee that you won't have problems, but it can offer you an additional measure of security.

Travel Agency Complaints

Although the Canadian Transportation Agency may be able to help with complaints about the air portion of travel arrangements booked through a travel agency or as part of a tour package, complaints about travel agents and tour operator services fall under provincial jurisdiction. The Consumer Hub can help you find the appropriate provincial or territorial government authority to seek redress for a consumer issue with a service booked using the services of a travel agency.

Consumer Hub

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