TICO charges laid against two Toronto agencies

Three Toronto-based agents and their respective businesses are facing charges from the Travel Industry Council of Ontario.

Gerardo Calderon and Gladys Calderon, carrying on business as Smartchoice Travel & Tours, have each been charged with one count of furnishing false information contrary to the Ontario Travel Industry Act. In addition, Gerardo Calderon and Gladys Calderon have been charged with 13 and 11 counts respectively, of failing to deposit and hold customer funds in a trust account.

Smartchoice Travel & Tours was a registered travel agent that operated in Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario. Its registration under the Act was voluntarily terminated on June 13, 2014, said TICO.

In an unrelated matter, 6097472 Canada Inc., operating as ASAP Travel & Tours, and Carolyn Bella have each been charged with one count of carrying on business with Maria Rowena Santiago, an unregistered travel agent.

According to TICO, ASAP Travel is a travel agent registered under the Act, operating in Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario. Carolyn Bella is a President/Manager of ASAP Travel.

All parties are scheduled for court appearances on Dec. 18 in Toronto.