TRVL withdraws services from Ontario

TRVL, a new website allowing users to earn commissions when booking travel and hotels, has ceased operations in Ontario following opposition from the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).

According to The Canadian Press, the website, which launched in May, chose to withdraw its services in Ontario following a series of correspondence with TICO, which said that TRVL would need to establish an Ontario office and become registered with the organization. The site allows users to register as ‘TRVL agents’ who can then earn up to 10 per cent commission on bookings made by themselves or friends and family.

The provincial Travel Industry Act is currently undergoing revision, which includes regulation for online travel businesses operating outside of Ontario and TRVL founder Jochem Wijnands was quoted in the report as stating he hopes to find a solution which will allow the business to return to the province.