TICO Post-Sale Obligations Before Departure

Question 1

Under the Travel Industry Act, 2002, what constitutes a 'material change' to a travel booking?

Accepted Answer

A significant change to a major element of the trip, such as a change in departure city or a substantial date change

Answer

A material change is a significant alteration to a core element of the travel arrangement — such as departure city, destination, dates, or type of accommodation. Minor adjustments like seat assignments or small schedule tweaks do not typically rise to the level of a material change.

Question 2

When a supplier notifies a travel registrant of a material change to a client's booking, what must the registrant do?

Accepted Answer

Promptly notify the client of the change and their options

Answer

Upon receiving notice of a material change from a supplier, the registrant must promptly communicate the change to the client and inform them of their available options. Prompt notification is required so the client can make an informed decision before their departure.

Question 3

A client's airline changes their departure time by 8 hours, which the registrant deems a material change. What option must the registrant offer the client?

Accepted Answer

The right to accept the change or receive a full refund

Answer

When a material change occurs, the client must be given the option to either accept the change or cancel and receive a full refund. Offering only credits or requiring the client to accept an alternative without a refund option does not comply with TICO standards.

Question 4

Under TICO's post-sale obligations, which of the following documents must a registrant provide to the client before departure?

Accepted Answer

All relevant travel documents and a complete itinerary

Answer

Registrants are obligated to provide clients with all relevant travel documents — such as tickets, hotel vouchers, and a complete itinerary — in sufficient time before departure. This ensures clients have everything needed for their trip.

Question 5

A tour operator cancels a package 10 days before departure due to insufficient bookings. The travel agent has already collected full payment from the client. What is the registrant's obligation?

Accepted Answer

Promptly refund the client the full amount paid

Answer

When a tour operator cancels a trip, the registrant is obligated to promptly refund the client the full amount paid, regardless of the supplier's own refund timeline. The registrant holds the client's money in trust and cannot delay its return once travel is cancelled.

TICO - Travel Industry Council of Ontario Practice Test

TICO - Travel Industry Council of Ontario Practice Test

TICO Post-Sale Obligations Before Departure