TICO meeting highlights $18.4B in sales, consumer protection efforts, board elections

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) held its Annual Meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 22), sharing updates on Ontario’s travel marketplace, consumer protection activities and progress made over the past fiscal year.

“Ontario’s travel marketplace continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a volatile and changing environment,” said Richard Smart, TICO’s CEO. 

“As expectations evolve, TICO remains focused on protecting consumers, supporting registrants, and continuously improving how we deliver on our mandate to maintain confidence in the marketplace.”

The meeting included remarks from the Honourable Stephen Crawford, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, who spoke about helping consumers book with confidence while supporting a healthy travel marketplace in the province.

TICO reported that Ontario’s travel sector remained strong during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with gross sales reaching $18.4 billion, slightly higher than the previous year.

The organization said Ontarians continue to prioritize travel, although economic pressures, global uncertainty and shifting consumer expectations are affecting the marketplace.

TICO also provided an update on its response to recommendations from the Auditor General of Ontario’s 2023 performance audit.

According to the organization, 91 per cent of actions directed solely to TICO are now complete.

Over the past year, TICO said its work has included helping consumers better understand their rights, making it easier to verify whether a business is registered and focusing regulatory oversight on areas of greater risk.

TICO also reported responding to nearly 3,000 consumer inquiries, handling 136 written complaints and helping consumers recover more than $95,000 in restitution.

TICO also shared early results from its enhanced Certification Program, which launched in January 2026. 

More than 90 per cent of students reported feeling prepared to apply consumer protection knowledge in their work.

Board elections

Registrants also elected two directors to TICO’s Board during the meeting.

Leo Sgovio was elected as an industry director for a three-year term, while Christopher Warren was elected as a public director for a three-year term.

TICO also acknowledged outgoing directors Michael Levinson, a ministerial appointee and past chair, and Robert Townshend, an elected industry director and past vice-chair of the Board.

Following the Annual Meeting, TICO’s Board of Directors named Mike Foster as vice-chair for a one-year term.

“Serving on TICO’s Board requires a significant commitment, and I want to sincerely thank our outgoing Directors for their leadership and dedication,” said TICO Chair Andrew Gibbons. 

“Their contributions have left a lasting impact on the organization. I’m also excited to welcome our new Directors and look forward to working together as we continue to respond to the changing needs of consumers and the travel industry.”

A recording of the Annual Meeting will be posted to TICO’s website. 

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