TICO announces new directors following tech glitch; Dawson, Townshend join board

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 26, 2023, to share the organization’s milestones from the previous fiscal year, and address hot topics, like its funding review and compensation fund. 

“The ever-changing landscape of the travel industry over the past three years has meant that both consumers and registrants have needed support more than ever before,” said TICO's CEO Richard Smart in a press release Wednesday. “In working with both groups, our aim has always been, and continues to be, to find fair solutions so that consumers remain confident purchasing their travel from Ontario’s registered businesses.”

The AGM saw TICO’s membership confirm by-law amendments. Some of these were in relation to the Minister’s orders to TICO on August 11, 2023, while others were general governance changes. 

More information about TICO’s by-law amendments can be found here.

Directors voted in

 TICO’s members voted for three public elected directors:

• Christopher Warren for a three-year term;
• Heather Colquhoun for a two-year term; and 
• Archana Gupta-Harit for a one-year term.

Due to a technical error with the technology provider, some AGM participants were unable to complete the industry director vote. 

To ensure a fair and equitable process, TICO re-launched a registration and voting process following the AGM, which was held on Oct. 10 and 11.

The two elected industry directors are:

• Robert Townshend for a three-year term; and
• Andrew Dawson for a two-year term.

TICO’s Board of Directors is now comprised of three Ministerial appointees, three elected industry directors and three elected public directors.

“This commitment to a competency-based and diverse Board will not only strengthen TICO’s governance but will also empower us to make more informed and inclusive decisions in the interest of consumer protection and all stakeholders,” said Michael Levinson, chair of TICO’s Board of Directors.

Pursuant to the Minister’s Orders issued on August 11, 2023, an Industry Advisory Council will be implemented prior to Jan. 1, 2024. More information about the Industry Advisory Council will be shared later this fall.

The AGM was also an opportunity to recognize the commitment and impact of six outgoing Directors:

• Nicole Bursey
• Joanne Dhue
• Mike Foster
• Ted Goldenberg
• Monica Johnstone
• Scott Stewart

A recording of the AGM and questions that were not addressed live will be made available to all registrants next week.

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