alberta travel agent license

How to Become a Travel Agent in Alberta in 2023?

Travel agents carry out various tasks like making travel reservations; selling and describing travel destinations; and getting details for clients that cover routes, schedules, and costs. Agents also inform the clients if there is any change in their flight schedules or if any particular documents are required for their destination. These are the weekly duties of a travel agent in Alberta.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Alberta?

To become a travel agent, you must complete your high school education or equivalent and then pursue the relevant tourism course. As per the Alberta Occupational Profiles site, a travel agent in Alberta has an average hourly salary of $18.15.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Alberta

Becoming a travel agent can be a gratifying profession, with tremendous personal growth and development opportunities. You’ll be responsible for helping clients plan trips, book flights, and accommodations, and provide advice and recommendations on attractions, restaurants, events, and more.

The first step to becoming a travel agent is completing your high school education or equivalent. After that, you could take the accredited Tourism Management program offered by the University of Alberta. The two-year diploma program will give you the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the tourism industry and provide you with industry-specific certifications. You’ll learn about different cultures worldwide, how to work with customers, and how to use online and offline marketing tools to promote tourism services.

You may also want to complete additional courses related to customer service or sales if you specialize in specific areas such as a cruise or air ticketing. These courses are available at colleges or universities throughout Alberta or can often be taken online for convenience.

In addition to completing educational programs, travel agents must stay up-to-date on new trends in the tourism industry by regularly attending conferences, reading trade publications, and participating in continuing education courses. This will help ensure they are always providing their clients with accurate information and advice regarding their travels.

On top of this knowledge base, successful travel agents must also possess strong organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks at any time. Good communication skills are also crucial since agents must interact effectively with customers from all walks of life and other industry professionals. Finally, having an eye for detail is essential since mistakes can easily result in unhappy clients who may not return or recommend your services again!

As per the Alberta Occupational Profiles site, a travel agent in Alberta has an average hourly salary of $18.15 – making it an attractive choice for people looking for steady employment opportunities within the province’s booming tourism sector. While most jobs require some form of experience before being hired full-time (such as through internships), there are temporary positions available that offer outstanding learning experiences while allowing you to earn money while still studying!

Becoming a travel agent is worth considering if you’re passionate about helping people explore new places while earning a decent living simultaneously! Remember that it takes dedication and hard work, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish!

Travel agent license Alberta

In Alberta’s province, there are no licenses that business owners require to open a travel agency. However, some municipalities or regions within the province will require you to obtain a business license if you operate a travel agency.

Acquire the Requisite Knowledge

Travel agents must be good at fundamental mathematical abilities and communication skills. So, it would help if you cleared a high school diploma or the equivalent qualification as the first essential step of eligibility. Thereon, you can go for a course in tourism that focuses on training aspiring travel agents.

Besides, travel agents must work with software systems related to the travel and tourism industry. Canadian Travel Agencies mainly deploy two reservation systems, namely SABRE and Apollo. So, it would help if you got well-versed in operating such applications.

Numerous online classes are available for experienced and new travel agents. You can check out these courses through the CITC (Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors). In Edmonton and Calgary, Grant McEwan College and CDI College are two colleges extending certification courses in tourism and travel.

Focus on your Niche

Today, there are several online booking sites through which people can make their travel itineraries anywhere and anytime. Your task is to examine the market gaps and provide information that cannot be found online. These may be the details regarding the least expensive travel tickets, honeymoon travel packages, cruise travel companies, and group travel plans.

It will work to your advantage if you are a frequent traveler, as some customers tend to ask travel agents about many travel destinations. Further, you must know the precise travel schedules, documentation formalities, and the best route to popular destinations. This way, you will stand out for people who prefer booking independently.

Aim for Research Excellency

Most of the job responsibilities of a travel agent revolve around conducting online research. This includes searching for cost-effective routes for individual travel, group travel, cruise holiday plans, and others. To be an accomplished travel agent, you must strive for excellent research skills and decision-making capabilities.

Working as a Travel Agent

There are two significant ways to work as a travel agent. Either you can work with a reputed travel agency or opt for self-employment. If you work independently, you can search for your clients and have a flexible schedule. On the other hand, if you are employed in an agency, you will get many marketing options with fewer personal expenses on hardware, software, internet, and telephone connections.

Working as a Travel Agent in Alberta can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice. As one of the largest provinces in Canada, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Alberta has something for everyone, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant and modern cities.

Travel agents have an essential role in helping people plan their vacations. They provide valuable advice on where, when, and how to get there. They also allow customers to find hotels, other accommodation options, and activities they may enjoy while on vacation. Travel agents must stay up-to-date with current travel trends and regulations, such as passport requirements and airline policies. They must also be knowledgeable about different areas of the world to give accurate advice about destinations.

To become a travel agent in Alberta, one must hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent certificate from an accredited college or university. Depending on their chosen field, those wishing to specialize in specific areas may need additional certifications or training. Working experience is also beneficial for those looking for employment as a travel agent in Alberta; individuals familiar with the tourism industry will have an advantage when applying for jobs.

There are many types of careers available within the tourism sector in Alberta, including cruise planner, booking agent, destination expert, and tour guide, to name a few. Cruise planners help customers plan their dream cruise by researching itineraries, finding deals on cruises, booking flights, organizing shore excursions, and more.

Booking agents work closely with customers by helping them find hotels that fit their needs based on budget and location. Destination experts are knowledgeable about destinations worldwide, including attractions, culture, and cuisine; they use this knowledge to create custom itineraries for clients’ trips abroad, including sightseeing tours and other activities tailored specifically for them. Tour guides lead groups of people through tours throughout the province, highlighting attractions such as parks, historical sites, and places of cultural interest while providing exciting facts along the way.

The job market for travel agents is strong in Alberta; according to government statistics, it has grown substantially since 2008, with an average annual salary ranging from $40-45k per year (in 2020). There is considerable potential for growth within this sector since more people are choosing to take vacations than ever before due to increased disposable incomes worldwide – thus making it a wise career choice for those interested in exploring new places and helping others do so too!

How to open a travel agency in Alberta?

Opening a travel agency in Alberta can be a great way to enter the travel industry and provide consumers with high-quality services. With the province’s booming tourism sector and its growing population of adventurous travelers, there is plenty of opportunity to succeed. This guide will explain some of the essential steps for opening a travel agency in Alberta, including registering your business, creating a budget, and complying with all applicable rules and regulations.

Incorporating your business is the first step to opening a travel agency in Alberta. You’ll need to register it with the proper authority and obtain any necessary permits or licenses required by law. It’s essential to thoroughly research what you need for your particular type of business since this may vary depending on different factors such as size, scope, and location. Once you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork and obtained the correct permits, you’ll be ready to move on to other important tasks like setting up bank accounts and choosing an accountant.

Once registered, entrepreneurs must create a budget outlining their projected costs for running the travel agency. These costs can include staff salaries, office rent, marketing expenses, and start-up capital costs such as computer equipment or software licenses. It’s also wise to set aside some reserve funds that can be used if unanticipated expenses arise during the first few months of operations. Careful attention should be paid when creating this budget as it will inform many essential decisions down the road, such as establishing prices for services offered or deciding how much money should be allocated for advertising each month.

In addition to registering their business and creating a budget, entrepreneurs must also understand all relevant laws governing travel agencies in Alberta before beginning operations. This includes familiarizing yourself with consumer protection laws concerning customer refunds or cancellations, provincial tax codes regarding sales taxes on ticket purchases, licensing regulations for booking agents working within your agency, and any other relevant information about your specific situation. Failure to properly comply with these legal requirements could result in hefty fines or even the closure of your business, so they must be taken seriously from day one.

Finally, once you have registered your business and complied with all applicable laws, you can begin promoting your travel agency! This can involve attending local job fairs or events where potential customers may be present or advertising online through various websites like Instagram or Facebook. Developing relationships with airlines or tour operators could also prove beneficial. They may offer promotional discounts or exclusive packages available only through select outlets such as yours, which could help maximize profits while providing customers with an outstanding experience at unbeatable prices!

Starting a successful travel agency in Alberta is no small feat, but following these simple guidelines should make this exciting venture much easier! When registering your business correctly, researching relevant laws about consumer protection regulations will ensure success not just at launch but over time too! Finally, don’t forget about marketing – connecting yourself directly with potential customers via creative campaigns is vital if you want people to know about your excellent services!

Some Facts to Know

• As per the 2006 Canadian Census, 79.9% of the population has English as their native language. And 3.02% of the Canadian population speaks Chinese. While you don’t necessarily need to be bilingual to become a travel agent in Alberta, travel agencies prefer bilinguals. It generally depends upon the market you cater to.
• Your career growth in Alberta relies upon various factors like the size of the agency you are employed at, the number of customers you handle, your initiative-taking qualities, and your sales proficiency.
• The travel agents’ job market faces stagnation because of the rise in online travel booking sites. So, the best way to add a distinct value is to specialize in a relevant area and offer exceptional customer service.

In conclusion, becoming a travel agent in Alberta has its benefits and requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. To get started, it is essential to understand the Alberta Tourism industry, including the regulations and standards for operation. You will also need to obtain the necessary certifications for your chosen area of expertise. Once that is done, you should be prepared to learn about the different aspects of the travel industry, such as ticketing systems, the geography of destinations, and customer service skills. Additionally, having a solid network of contacts in the tourism industry can help you develop your business relationships with other professionals in this field.

To remain competitive, it is essential to actively promote yourself and keep up with emerging trends in the travel industry. This includes staying informed about new technologies related to reservations, ticketing systems, and customer service software programs available in Alberta that could improve your efficiency when dealing with clients’ requests. Furthermore, attending conferences or seminars like those organized by Travel Alberta will give you access to valuable resources and networking opportunities relevant to your desired career path.

Lastly, it is vital to continuously seek out knowledge through professional development courses or completing certification programs related to various areas within the tourism industry. With these tools, commitment, and passion for travel and tourism-related services, you can build a successful career as a travel agent in Alberta.

• Latest Posts

• How to Get Freelance Software Development Jobs
• The Definitive Guide to Freelance Payment Terms in 2023
• How to Charge Late Fees on Invoices When Clients Don’t Pay on Time?
• How to Become a Clearing Agent?
• How to Become an REO Agent for Chase? – Chase REO Vendor Application
• Call Center Agent – What Does a Call Center Representative Do?
• Kids Catalogue Modelling – How to Get Your Kid Into Modeling?
• How to Be an Energy Broker?
• How to be a Freelance Courier?
• What Does an Executive Assistant Do?
• How to Become a Full-Time Traveler?
• What Does a Business Development Manager Do?
• Self Employment Tax Deductions in the US in 2023
• How to Become a Janitorial Supply Distributor?

Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith is an experienced economist and financial analyst from Utah. He has been in finance for nearly two decades, having worked as a senior analyst for Wells Fargo Bank for 19 years. After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management. At Nimblefreelancer.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification. Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page . Contact Daniel: [email protected]

Recent Posts

Where Does Sharp Sand Come From?

In the construction industry, sharp sand is a necessary term. What is Sharp Sand? Sharp Sand, grit sand, river sand, and builders' Sand are gritty sand used in concrete and potting soil mixes or to...

Difference Between Ottoman Hassock and Footstool

An Ottoman, Footstool, and Hassock are furniture where a person may rest his feet. Though they are closely related, they may still have differences and variations in the footrests. The size, style,...

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

• Host Agencies
• Accelerator Course
• Travel Jobs
• Travel Agent Chatter
• Etiquette & Rules
• Privacy Policy

Canadian Regulations for Travel Agencies in a Nutshell

 We have a pretty comprehensive article on US Seller of Travel Laws   (SOT), but we don’t want to leave out our neighboring Canadian travel agents. Canada has enriched my life with many great gifts like poutine, Justin Trudeau, Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro, the prettier half of Niagara Falls, hockey, and Alaska (jk, that last one was from Russia. Thanks, Russia!).

Plus, from a design standpoint, their flag is pretty awesome. This is my long way of saying, I owe you one, Canada. So allow me to attempt to repay my huge debt with an article that includes some updates on Canadian travel agency regulations.

Want to fast-forward to a specific province? Here you go:

⭐️ HAR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐️

• Canadian Licensing in a Nutshell [+infographic]
• British Columbia
• A List of Canadian Host Agencies, by Province

Canadian Travel Agency Licensing Regulations in a Nutshell:

Only three provinces have specific regulations for selling travel—Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. In short, this means that if you are a travel agent that operates your business in of any of these provinces OR if you sell to any residents of those provinces, you need comply with each province’s regulations.

There are no extra-territorial laws, so agencies that want to operate in or sell to clients in multiple of these provinces will need to register for licensing in EACH of those provinces. There’s no reciprocity, my friend.

Here is all is, simplified into a nifty infographic:

Of course, that's just the beginning. Read on for more details on each province's regulations.

Quebec Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

Quebec is a bit complex, and not only because my French is veeeeeeeery rusty. But, in the spirit of licensing, there are oodles and oodles of bureaucratic hoops to jump through (let’s be honest, this is NOT limited to Quebec).

Like most licensing requirements, the Quebec Office of Consumer Protection (OPC) differentiates between travel agencies and travel counsellors. This is a line that can be pretty blurry for hosted agents, but I’ll attempt to bring it into focus below.

For hosted agents, I don’t want to mince words. Here’s OPC’s definition of an outside agent , verbatim, “travel agents who are contractually bound to a single travel agency. Most of the time, they do not work in the office. These counselors may not receive clients at home unless a duplicate of the travel agency's permit has been issued for an establishment located at their address.”

Here’s what you need as a hosted agent:

To be licensed as a hosted agent in Quebec, you must have Travel Counsellor Certificate (on the English translation of the site, it’s sometimes referred to as “the travel agency stewardship certificate”—don’t be fooled, it’s the same thing). The process for receiving the certificate is relatively straightforward:

• Pass the Travel Counsellors Exam: You can register for your exam through the Institute of Tourism and Hotels of Quebec (ITHQ). The exam runs $53 and there are optional study guides and exam simulations (not required) also available for purchase. The exam consists of True/False questions, and applicants need to score a 65% to pass. Travel counselors must retake this exam annually to renew their license. 
• Travel Agency Certificate: Before you even apply, you must hold a Travel Agency Steward Certificate. This runs $56 CAD and you must renew it annually (the renewal is $28CAD). In order to receive your Travel Agency Steward certificate, you must be affiliated with a licensed travel agency.
• Register Your Business: Registraire des entreprises du Québec .

The caveat here is that everything you do and sell must be under the umbrella of your host agency (including service fees). This means that, while you can have your own travel agency brand, you will still need to disclose to clients the name of the host agency you sell under, and you cannot accept money from your clients (only commissions from your host).

If that’s too restrictive, travel agencies can apply for a Travel Counsellor General Permit (not to be mistaken for the “Certificate”). You will need one whether you are based in Quebec OR selling travel to clients in Quebec. There are some exceptions, but they mostly apply to outfitters and folks who book travel without any compensation or commission (probably not you). 

In order to apply for the General Permit, you must do all the above to get your Travel Agency Certificate, plus you get to have a little extra bureaucratic fun:

Eligibility to qualify for a Travel Counsellor General Permit in Quebec: 

• Another exam! Joy! This one is the Travel Agency Managers Exam , and it runs 70CAD and lasts 90min. If you’re taking the exam for the first time, you must pass it before you apply. But if you’re renewing (which you will do annually), you just need to make sure you pass it before the renewal date of your license. 
• Cost: The cost of permit is $74/$75 CAD per month for an agency and $46/$47 CAD per month for a branch office 1
• Bond: You will need to provide a $25,000 CAD bond. This is used to compensate customers in the event the agency fails, closes or needs to provide compensation for services promised then not rendered. None of this will apply to you, but it’s a safety net that will help you as much as it will help your clients. 🙂
• If the bond is a bearer bond or cash (CHA-CHING!), you will need to also submit a Merchant’s form (so you can’t go all anonymous superhero, and sell travel under the cover of night).  
• First-time applicants must demonstrate proof they have $5,000 CAD of working capital, and this must be verified by an external accountant and or auditor. (Sorry, you can’t submit janky homemade Excel sheets like I always try to do.) 
• Copy of agency’s opening documents and signature from of each trust account signed by its financial institution.
• If your company is registered outside of Quebec, you need a certificate of compliance from Registraire des entreprises du Québec .

The licenses are issued 15 days after the completed application is received, but can be rushed in 3 days if you’re really in a pinch. 2 Did I mention my French is horrible? If I missed anything, let me know.

Ontario Travel Agency Licensing Regulations—TICO Registration

Travel agents in Ontario, Canada, you’re the most highly restricted. The first thing you need to know is that there is a difference between the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) Education Standards Exam (or the TICO exam ) and being a TICO registered travel agency.

Every employee working at an Ontario agency that is selling travel/providing advice (and yes, this includes you, supervisors and managers!) must take and pass the TICO exam. But get this. Even if everyone in your office has taken and passed this test, you aren't legal unless your travel agency is registered as TICO agency.  

That's right Ontario travel agencies, you need two parts to be compliant:

• TICO agency registration
• all employees to pass the TICO exam

Or, on the flip side, if you're a hosted travel agent in Ontario, you need:

• a TICO registered host agency ( search for TICO registered travel agencies )
• to take (and pass) the TICO exam

So, here's the info that will help make sure you're legal! The  (TICO) exam  currently rings up at $35 CAD for travel counsellors, $35 CAD for managers/supervisors, and $50 for the combined travel counsellor/manager-supervisor test. Here's a great resource if you're looking for in-depth information on the TICO exam process .

Getting registered as a TICO agency is going to require quite a bit more moola. You can find more specifics on the requirements of the TICO agency registration  on their site but we've shortened the list for you. Here's the things that will jump out to you and have you gawking at your screen:

• There's a $3,000 CAD application fee for new agencies
• You need to show financial statements proving you have $5,000 in capital to work with
• You'll need letters of reference
• A $10,000 security deposit (returned to you after 2 years of showing you're not going to rip anyone off)
• You need to set up a trust account

If you're already a TICO registered agency, the renewal fee is based on your travel sales:

One last thing to note, the TICO agency registration is NOT transferable. So if you were looking to buy an agency, know that the costs to re-register will be significant. And after all that, if you're still ready to make the leap, here's the registration forms to become a TICO registered travel agency!

British Columbia Travel Agency Licensing Regulations

In BC, you'll need licensing regardless if you plan to be a hosted travel advisor or want to get your own travel accreditation . Big picture, if you want to get licensed in BC, here's what you need to do:

• Register your business with the BC Corporate Registry (Tele: 1-877-526-1526, $40 registration fee and $30 name approval fee for Sole Proprietors, or $305 for LLCs)
• Apply for your license to sell travel through the Consumer Protection BC  (Tele: 1-888-777-4393, $1,293 fee for travel agencies/wholesalers and $839 for branch offices).

Here's a big whopping checklist of steps needed to get licensed in BC:

Here's a look at BC's license application checklist:

However, the process is going to be different for hosted advisors compared to independently-accredited advisors. Below offers a bit more detail:

4 steps to get licensed as a Hosted advisor in british columbia, Canada

Hosted advisors are considered a branch office in the eyes of BC. The good news for all y'all hosted advisors is that this route is lighter on the paperwork.

Here's the steps to get licensed:

• Provide your municipal business license
• Set up a business phone number (must be public, searchable, and clearly listed on your website, invoices, and other public documents.)
• Fill out a branch location license form .
• [For home-based advisors only] Fill out this form if you want to operate your business from home.
• Get knowledgeable about lots and lots of rules and regulations .

9 steps to get licensed as an independently-accredited advisor in british columbia, Canada

Fun for you, you get to fill out a lot more paperwork than your hosted peers! Here are the nine steps you need to get licensed as a "head office" in BC.

• Provide proof of registration or incorporation. (Go here to register your sole proprietorship or general partnership.)
• Get a criminal record check (for Canadian residents).
• Obtain and provide financial security. (Cash, Letter of Credit, Surety Bond, or Safekeeping agreement are all acceptable forms. Go to this link for more details.)
• Provide financial information. (This ensures you have enough working capital to operate.)

List of Canadian Hosts by Province

Here's a handy dandy guide to see which Canadian-based host agencies are licensed to operated in the provinces mentioned in this article:

• Travel Masters  
• KVI Travel  
• Casino World Travel  
• Travel Edge
• TravelOnly  
• Prestige Agent Network
• Travel Masters
• Nexion Canada
• Casino World Travel
• Travel Professionals International
• Expedia CruiseShipCenters
• Newwest Travel & Cruises
• The Travel Agent Next Door

British Columbia:

• Expedia CruiseShipCenters  
• Newwest Travel & Cruises  

If you want to operate to your agency in any of provinces outside of QC, ON and BC, AND you don't plan on selling to resident in any of those provinces, you're in the clear and don't need to worry about of this (but you're dang smart!). 

Canadian + Fees.

This last part doesn't necessarily have to do with regulations but I figure since you've read the entire way through this, that you deserve a little pick me up. And I have just the thing for you.

Take some time to listen to a fellow Canadian who only sells air tickets (no he's not a corporate agent) and has come up with a way to charge a $60-500 CAD ticketing fee for every ticket. 85% of his income comes from fees. Feeling inspired and curious? Have a seat and plug into an episode of our Travel Agent Chatter podcast!

I reached out to Justin Trudeau for comment, but his offices mentioned something about him being busy running a country or something like that. Oh well. You can’t win them all. Look no further.

But  I'd like to extend a very special thank you to two excellent resources who shared their expertise for this article:  Mike Foster , President of Nexion Canada, ULC, and James Shearer , Chief Operating Officer of Travel Masters who offered a ton of great insights and information for this article. 

Do you have thoughts or comments or ideas or experiences you’d like share? We want to hear from you!

• Depends on when application is submitted: If it’s before May 1st, it’s the lesser amount in both cases. If you apply after May 1st on any given calendar year, it’s the higher amount ↩
• if you want to do that, you will need to pay 50% of your entire permit—which would be half of the monthly cost times 16 months. ↩

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

• Agent Tools
• Legal & Regulatory

• Get the Job
• Resumes and CVs
• Applications
• Cover Letters
• Professional References

Professional Licenses and Exams

• Get a Promotion
• Negotiation
• Professional Ethics
• Professionalism
• Dealing with Coworkers
• Dealing with Bosses

Communication Skills

Managing the office, disabilities, harassment and discrimination, unemployment.

• Career Paths
• Compare Careers
• Switching Careers
• Training and Certifications
• Start a Company
• Internships and Apprenticeships
• Entry Level Jobs
• College Degrees

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

How to become a travel agent in alberta.

A typical week for a travel agent in Alberta, Canada, will include such tasks as describing and selling travel destinations; accessing information for clients to include costs, schedules and routes; and making trip reservations. Agents also make clients aware of any schedule changes plus documentation needed for particular travel destinations. According to the Alberta Occupational Profiles website, the average salary for a travel agent in Alberta is $16.05 per hour.

Obtain your high school diploma or equivalent. This is the essential and first requisite to becoming a travel agent in Alberta, as you need to demonstrate that you are competent in the basics of math and communication.

Enroll in classes on tourism and those geared toward becoming a travel agent. You will need to be proficient with software used in the travel industry, such as Apollo and SABRE. These are the two main reservation systems used by Canadian Travel Agencies. You can find many classes online via the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors for both new travel agents and those wanting to enhance their education and skills. CDI College and Grant McEwan College are two colleges in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta that offer courses and certifications in travel and tourism.

Focus on a niche. With so many online travel sites, people have the opportunity to create their own travel plans any time of day. Figure out the gaps in this market, then fill in the details that people cannot find online. These specialties may include lowest cost travel tickets, group travel, honeymoon travel and cruise travel. Since people will expect you to be an expert on many travel destinations, being well-traveled yourself is highly beneficial. You need to be able to convey accurate schedules, travel documentation needed, and learn the best routes to help you stand out from those who prefer to book travel for themselves.

Strive for excellence in online research. The majority of your job duties will include researching online for the most cost-effective travel rates, group rates, cruise rates and more. Make it your goal to be efficient and proficient at this skill to be a successful travel agent in Alberta.

Decide whether you wish to become an independent travel agent or work for a travel agency. As an independent travel agent, you can work a more flexible schedule and find your own clients. Working for an agency provides you with more options in terms of marketing and less personal overhead costs, such as software and hardware, phone and Internet costs.

• Advancement as a travel agent in Alberta, Canada depends on your sales abilities, initiative, the size of the company you work for, and the number of clients you manage.
• According to the 2006 Canadian Census, English is the native tongue in Alberta, used by 79.9 percent of the population. Chinese is spoken by 3.02 percent of the population. It is not necessary to be bilingual to become a travel agent in Alberta, but there are agencies who do find it can be beneficial depending on whether or not you focus on a market that speaks a different language.
• The travel agent job market is stagnant due to the growth of online travel sites. The way to differentiate yourself is to specialize as well as to provide excellent customer service.

Related Articles

How to become a travel agent in florida →, what subjects do you need to know to be a travel agent →, how to become a disney travel agent →, how to be a travel agent →, travel planner job description →.

How to Become a Travel Agent in BC →

• Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors: Homepage
• Alberta Occupational Profiles: Careers

Katrina Matterhorn is experienced in technology consulting for two of the largest technology companies in the world. Since 2009 she has specialized in technology, business and home and garden articles. She has a double major in English and political science from Austin College in addition to Microsoft and IBM certifications.

careertrend

• Job Descriptions
• Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
• Administrative Job Descriptions
• Healthcare Job Descriptions
• Sales Job Descriptions
• Fashion Job Descriptions
• Education Job Descriptions
• Salary Insights
• Journalism Salaries
• Healthcare Salaries
• Military Salaries
• Engineering Salaries
• Teaching Salaries
• Accessibility
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Copyright Policy
• Contact Us
• Find a Job
• Manage Preferences
• California Notice of Collection
• Terms of Use

• Councils & Directories
• CISRO News Release
• Submit a Complaint
• Investigation Process
• Council Decisions
• Look up an Agent/Agency
• License Application Checklist
• License Fees
• Schedules & Locations
• About Exams
• Register (Login)
• Continuing Education Requirements
• Continuing Education Course Lookup
• My CE Summary
• Compliance CE Audit
• Examination Fees
• Education Providers
• General Insurance Exam Preparation
• General Level 1 Qualification Program (GLQP)
• General Insurance Exam Statistics
• Life Insurance Exam Preparation
• Educator’s Corner
• Insurance Company Assessments
• Search for Agent/Agency
• Non-Renewed License Holders
• Council Decisions and Decisions of the Insurance Councils Appeal Board
• Notices to the Profession
• Guideline for Self-Represented Litigants
• Insurance Act & Regulations
• Process of Appeal
• How to pay a civil penalty
• Agent and Agency Search
• Regulators – Other Provinces
• Licensed Insurance Companies
• Industry & Trade Associations
• Accreditation Committee
• Publications
• License Renewals
• Certification & Licensing
• On-Line Applications
• Examinations
• Continuing Education
• Errors & Omissions
• General Licensing Qualification Program (GLQP) Level 1 ONLY

Licensing Requirements

Agencies and drs, life and accident & sickness agents, general agents, restricted licenses, requirements for certification.

How to get an insurance agent or adjuster’s license checklist.

• Do you already have a CIPR number? What is CIPR ? If you have written an exam with the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) before, or if you have been previously licensed in Alberta, you will likely already have one. Need a CIPR number? Click here .
• Did you pass the required exam within the previous 12 months? If no, please review the exam information here . No need to re-take the exam(s) if you are re-applying with 24 months from the date you last held your Alberta license(s).
• Are you a non-resident who is currently licensed in your home jurisdiction for the same class of license you are applying for in Alberta and passed exams considered equivalent to Alberta’s? If no, please review the exam information here .
• Have you obtained a criminal record check from  MyBackCheck or from your local police or RCMP detachment within the last three (3) months? Please remember to “share” the report on MyBackCheck or upload a scanned PDF of your criminal record check. U.S. residents must obtain an FBI or First Advantage criminal record check.
• The name of your E&O carrier (insurance company)
• Your E&O policy number
• The effective and expiry dates of your policy (your policy must be in force and cannot be expired) Check out the E&O FAQs here .
• Do you have an employer (agency or sponsoring insurance company) that will be recommending your certificate(s) of authority? Sponsorship is mandatory to obtain a license.
• Have you met all the above requirements? Then you are ready to apply for your license online. Logon to the AIC Portal to complete an application. Check out the ‘How To’ tutorials and review the online application FAQs .
• Online applications must be initiated by Designated Representatives (‘D/Rs’) for businesses (agencies, brokerages, adjusting firms). Check out the License Application Checklist and the How To Tutorials.
• Online applications for insurance agencies and their D/Rs must be “submitted” to the agent’s recommending insurer before they can be reviewed and processed by the AIC (the ‘Regulator’).
• The D/R of an adjusting firm must initiate the on-line applications. No recommendation is required.
• The D/R of a firm that adjusts losses limited to Hail, Travel, and Equipment Warranty must initiate the on-line applications. No recommendation is required.
• Be an individual,
• Subject to having established eligibility to qualify as the D/R for the class of license applying for, hold a certificate of authority that is of the same class as the certificate of authority held by the business, and
• Have responsibility for the management and supervision of the business.
• If a business wishes to conduct insurance for Life, Accident & Sickness, and General as an insurance agent, the business must obtain a separate certificate of authority for each class of license it wishes to conduct business in, and have a D/R for the same class of insurance who meets the qualifications. Please refer to those specific requirements in the appropriate information tab.
• A business that no longer has a D/R must, within 14 days, submit the required application(s) for an individual who meets the qualifications to apply as the new D/R. If the business does not comply with this requirement, the certificate(s) for the business is automatically suspended in addition to any employees or independent contractors who are issued certificates to represent the business for the same class of license.
• Every business must satisfy the errors &omissions requirements that has been issued by a licensed insurer in Alberta and that meets the  terms and conditions approved by the Alberta Insurance Council . The E&O policy information must be recorded on the on-line applications.
• If the business is a corporation or partnership, the corporation or partnership must be registered with Alberta Corporate Registries in accordance with the Alberta Business Corporations Act or under the Partnership Act, if applicable. You will be required to provide the Alberta Corporate Access Number.
• If the business is a non-resident, it must provide evidence that it is licensed as an insurance agent by the appropriate licensing authority in its home jurisdiction in the same name in which it is applying to be licensed in Alberta.
• Have a qualified individual submit an online applicatio n that is approved by the same recommending insurer that sponsors the agency for agencies with two or more agents.
• Email the AIC a signed letter (as a PDF) to [email protected] that you are terminating (‘suspending’) the current D/R’s certificate(s).
• Have the D/R submit an online application that is approved by the new sponsoring insurer.
• To change the agency name to one that is new, review the How-To Tutorial on How to apply for a New Agency Business License .
• The full name of your agency in which it is currently licensed,
• Your agency’s existing Alberta license number,
• The Alberta corporate access number for the existing agency (if the business is a corporation or partnership),
• The new name of the business you propose to change the name to if you changing the agency name. Include legal name (if any) and trade name (if any),
• A copy of your E&O policy showing the new insured name if you are changing the agency name.
• The fees for Certificates of Authority are posted here .
• If you have already paid the full fee in the current licensing year any change to that class of license prior to May 1 st in that year will only require a $25 fee payment.
• If a Certificate of Authority is issued, renewed, amended or reinstated on or after May 1 st in a year but before July 1 st of that year, it expires on June 30 th of the following year.
• Applicants for Life and/or Accident & Sickness insurance must complete a separate application for each class of license where their application is recommended by a person who has specifically been authorized by the Head Office to recommend agents for that insurer. They may apply as: a) an employee of an insurer or b) an employee or independent contractor of a business.
• New applicants for “Life” or “Accident & Sickness” certificates are required to pass an examination within the previous 12 months before a license can be issued. Please review our FAQs about the LLQP .
• All new applicants are required to obtain a Criminal Record Check from BackCheck (remember to share with the AIC) or from your local police or RCMP detachment that is not more than 3 months old.
• Examinations are not required for individuals who previously held, in Alberta, the same class of license being applied for within 24 months from the date the certificate was last held.
• Non-residents who are licensed in their home jurisdiction may be exempt from Alberta’s exam if they can demonstrate that they have passed an exam that is equivalent to Alberta’s approved exam. If license status confirmation can be obtained from the web site of the licensing authority in your home jurisdiction, a non-resident endorsement will not be required.
• If the license is to be issued in the name of a business (agency/brokerage), the agency must be licensed in Alberta before you may apply to represent that agency. You must comply with the requirement of the Alberta Insurance Act that you carry on business in Alberta in the business name in which you are licensed.
• If you are applying to represent a business, your certificate must be recommended by the same insurer that has recommended the certificate for the same class of license for the business.
• If you wish to represent more than one business, the Insurance Act requires that you obtain a separate insurance agent’s certificate for each business that you wish to represent. All Life certificates that you hold must be recommending by the same life insurance company. You will be required to comply with the duty of disclosure requirement set out in section 491 of the Insurance Act.
• You may not be issued an insurance agent’s certificate as a direct employee of an insurer and also be issued another insurance agent’s certificate for the same class of license to represent a different insurer or business.
• Every individual must include a copy of the Errors & Omissions certificate that has been issued by a licensed insurer in Alberta and that meets the terms and conditions approved by the Alberta Insurance Council . An individual applying as an employee of a licensed insurer is exempt from the E&O requirement.
• If the contract with your company has been cancelled or if you cease to be with an agency and your company and/or agency has notified the Alberta Insurance Council, your certificate(s) will be suspended. If you wish to re-apply you must submit the applicable application(s) along with appropriate fees . You will not be authorized to act as an insurance agent until a new certificate is issued.
• If you need to change your recommending insurance company or the agency that you represent, you must complete the applicable application(s) along with appropriate fees .
• The fees for Certificates of Authority as posted here .
• Applicants for General insurance licenses may apply as: a) an employee of an insurer and be recommended by a person who has specifically been authorized by the Head Office to recommend agents for that insurer or b) an employee or independent contractor of a business and be recommended by the licensed Designated Representative.
• New applicants for a “General” certificate are required to pass an examination within the previous 12 months before a license can be issued. Please review our FAQs about the General insurance examinations . The General Insurance Council (‘GIC’) has approved course equivalencies for the General Level 1, 2, and 3 exams. Click here for the courses that the GIC has approved.
• Examinations are not required for individuals who previously held, in Alberta, the same class and level of license being applied for within 24 months from the date the certificate was last held.
• If you wish to represent more than one business, the Insurance Act requires that you obtain a separate insurance agent’s certificate for each business that you wish to represent. You will be required to comply with the duty of disclosure requirement set out in section 491 of the Insurance Act.
• The Errors & Omissions policy must be issued by a licensed insurer in Alberta that meets the terms and conditions approved by the Alberta Insurance Council and must be issued in the name of the business and provide coverage for the employees and independent contractors of the business who hold certificates of authority. An individual applying as an employee of a licensed insurer is exempt from the E&O requirement.
• Probationary General certificate that permits an agency or insurer to engage a new person to act as an agent prior to completing the Level 1 agent exam. The probationary agent must act under the direct supervision of a Level 2 or Level 3 agent and the certificate expires in 90 days if the agent does not advance to a Level 1 license by passing the required exam. It can only be issued once for any individual.
• General Level 1 certificate when the individual has passed the required Level 1 exam. Holders of a Level 1 certificate are subject to the ongoing supervision of the holder of a Level 2 or Level 3 certificate in accordance with standards established by the Level 3 or by the insurer if the agent is an employee of the insurer.
• General Level 2 certificate when the individual has passed the required Level 2 exam within the previous 12 months.
• General Level 3 Designated Representative (‘D/R’) certificate when the individual has, within the previous 36 months, held a General level 2 certificate for a period of at least 24 months and has, within the previous 12 months, passed the General level 3 exam.
• If the contract with your company has been cancelled or if you cease to be with an agency and your company or agency has notified the Alberta Insurance Council, your certificate(s) will be suspended. If you wish to re-apply you must submit the applicable application(s) along with appropriate fees . You will not be authorized to act as an insurance agent until a new certificate is issued.
• Applicants for an Adjuster’s insurance license may apply as an employee or independent contractor of a business and be recommended by the licensed Designated Representative of a licensed adjusting firm.
• New applicants for an Adjuster’s certificate (other than restricted “Hail, Equipment Warranty, and Travel Adjusters) are required to pass an examination within the previous 12 months before a license can be issued. Please review our FAQs about the Adjuster examination .
• If the license is to be issued in the name of a firm, the adjusting firm must be licensed in Alberta before you may apply to represent that firm. You must comply with the requirement of the Alberta Insurance Act that you carry on business in Alberta in the business name in which you are licensed.
• If you wish to represent more than one business, the Insurance Act requires that you obtain a separate Adjuster’s certificate for each business that you wish to represent.
• Individuals who are direct employees of a licensed insurance company are not required to become licensed as an adjuster in Alberta.
• The Errors & Omissions policy must be issued by a licensed insurer in Alberta that meets the terms and conditions approved by the Alberta Insurance Council and must be issued in the name of the business and provide coverage for the employees and independent contractors of the business who hold certificates of authority.
• Adjuster Level 1 certificate when the individual has passed the required Level 1 exam.
• Adjuster Level 2 certificate when the individual has at least 24 months of consecutive claims adjusting experience and has successfully completed 6 courses of the Insurance Institute of Canada for a designation as an Associate of the Insurance Institute of Canada, of which one course must be C-15 (Loss Adjustment and Claims Settlements), C-17 (Claims 1), or C-110 (Essentials of Loss Adjusting), or courses that are equivalent.
• Is an Associate or Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada, or Chartered Insurance Professional or a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional;
• Has successfully completed the C-32 (Bodily Injury Claims) and either C-46 (Claims 2), C-41 (Property Loss Adjustment), or C-111 (Advanced Loss Adjusting) courses of the Insurance Institute of Canada, or courses that are equivalent; and
• Has acted as an adjuster for at least 60 months within the 10-year period immediately preceding the date of application.
• Applicants with more than 10 years insurance adjusting experience prior to 1990 and who is not an Associate or Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada should contact the Council for further instructions.
• All individuals holding Levels 1 and 2 Adjusters’ Certificates may only act as an adjuster if the individual is subject to the direct supervision of a holder of a Level 3 adjuster’s certificate of authority. A business that acts or offers to act as an adjuster and operates from more than one office must have in each office at least one adjuster who holds a level 2 adjuster’s certificate of authority.
• If you cease to be with an adjusting firm and your firm has notified the Alberta Insurance Council, your certificate(s) will be suspended. If you wish to re-apply you must submit the applicable application(s) along with appropriate fees . You will not be authorized to act as an adjuster until a new certificate is issued.
• If you need to change the name of the firm that you represent, you must complete the applicable application(s) along with appropriate fees .

The Minister has delegated the responsibility for the licensing of businesses for restricted insurance agents’ certificates of authority in the Province to the Alberta Insurance Council.

Each business that intends to market each of these types of insurance must hold a Certificate of Authority authorizing the business, through its employees, to transact that type of insurance. The Certificate of Authority must name one individual who will be the “Designated Individual” for the business to be responsible for receiving notices and other documents under the Insurance Act. Businesses that may apply for a restricted certificate to engage in the sale of these types of insurance include:

• Deposit Taking Institutions
• Transportation Companies
• Travel Agencies
• Automobile Dealerships
• Sales Finance Companies
• Customs Brokers licensed under the Customs Act (Canada)
• Freight-Forwarding Companies
• Equipment Dealers
• Real Estate Brokerages
• Funeral Services Businesses
• Vehicle Rental Agencies

For a list of Credit Related Insurance Definitions, including approved insurance classes/types that restricted certificate holders may sell, please click here .

• On-line applications must be initiated by the Designated Individual (‘DI’) for the business (refer to eligible businesses above).
• Each Designated Individual must obtain their own CIPR number. The Designated Individual must submit a separate on-line application for each type of insurance that the business will engage in. The application must be “submitted” on-line to the agent’s recommending insurer before it can be reviewed and processed by the AIC (the ‘Regulator’).
• Every business must satisfy the errors &omissions requirements that has been issued by a licensed insurer in Alberta and that meets the terms and conditions approved by the Alberta Insurance Council . The E&O policy information must be recorded on the on-line applications.
• Individuals replacing DIs of Restricted Licensees and/or changing their recommending insurer must apply on-line by logging into the AIC portal . If the individual who is replacing the previous Designated Individual is new, that individual must have registered for their own CIPR number.
• If the Designated Individual has left, your business must immediately replace that individual by completing the required application.

Request Information

Please fill out the following form to request information for CDI College.

Please start your application by filling out the form below.

Your Review was submited.

Thank you for your time, click to close this page, travel and tourism.

Standard Admission

• Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript or DAR.

Mature Admission

• Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission (19 for out of Alberta); and
• Successful completion of the CDI College admissions test

Benefits of This Program

• Endorsed by Association of Canadian Travel Agencies
• Career Services department provides assistance finding jobs and building resumes
• Study at a campus close to home

Employment Opportunities

• Airline Ticketing or Guest Service Agent
• Reservations Agent
• Tour Guide/Organizer
• Tourism Marketer
• Travel Agent
• Travel Counsellor

Train for a career helping people make vacation memories by taking the Travel and Tourism program at CDI College. Work in this career is great for people who have a strong desire to learn constantly and meet new people. After graduating from CDI College’s Travel and Tourism diploma program, you may find work as a travel agent at an agency, a tour guide on a cruise ship, or a ticket agent for an airline.

Travel and Tourism Training in Calgary

The Travel and Tourism diploma program provides you with essential knowledge and skills you can apply in practical work situations. Courses combine lectures, group discussions, hands-on practical experience, video presentations, and may include guest speakers and field trips.

Career Growth Potential

The Travel and Tourism industry employs more people worldwide than any other industry. Travel agencies will employ most Travel and Tourism graduates in retail, corporate, or outside sales. Other employment opportunities may be found with tour companies, tour wholesalers, cruise lines, and hotels. You have great potential for growth with a career in travel and tourism, and your global skillset will give you the ability to work anywhere in the world. Accelerate your career today by applying for CDI College’s Travel and Tourism diploma program

Industry Recognition

Campus Availability

This program is approved to be offered at the following campuses. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability.

• Calgary City Centre, AB

The main thing that I really found was that my instructor led me down the right path. My practicum was absolutely incredible.

Program Courses

Business computer applications [bca4].

This course presents an introductory look at the Microsoft Office 2016 productivity applications Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and the Windows environment in which they run. It covers the fundamentals of organizing files and folders, of drafting business documents, of creating presentations, and of reporting data in spreadsheets. This course relies entirely on practical hands-on activities that allow you to learn the concepts by practicing them on a regular basis and obtaining feedback immediately.

Salesmanship [AB-SLM4]

Sales play an integral part in the travel and tourism industry. It is important that every travel professional understand the importance of relationship selling. This course will help develop sales skills by using interactive hands on training.

Professional Communication and Presentations [AB-PCAP]

This course is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for dealing effectively and professionally with both customers and colleagues. Using a variety of instructional methods including role-plays, case studies, group exercises, simulated situations, and discussions, students learn and practice their customer service and sales relationship skills necessary for success in today's business environment.

Social Media Travel Marketing [AB-SMTM]

The Travel and tourism market is one of the most followed industries on social media. This course is designed to explore the many facets of social media such as Facebook, Instagram™, Twittter™, Pinterest™, Linkedin™, Google+™ and much more. This will be targeting key aspects to improve advertising and sales.

Customer Relations and Interpersonal Skills [B1075R]

In business, as in other interpersonal contact, the impression formed in the first 10 to 15 seconds is crucial to the success of the relationship. The importance of the customer and of customer relations to business success is examined through case studies and role-playing. Students will learn relevant theories of human behaviour and how they may be applied to improve customer relations.

Travel Products [AB-TOU4]

The student will examine the many travel products available to the traveller such as rail, car rentals, accommodations tour package design, and cruise. Students will learn how they are marketed and sold to meet the needs of today's traveller.

World Destinations [AB-WOD4]

This course is designed to familiarize student with different countries and the most popular destinations that clients request. Students will cover North America, Europe, South America, Pacific and Asia.

Domestic Ticketing [AB-DOM4]

This course is designed to address the basics of domestic ticketing fundamentals. City and airport codes are studied.

International Ticketing [AB-ITK4]

This course is designed to address the basics of international ticketing and rentals. City and airport codes are studied.

Travel Agency Operations [AB-TAP4]

In this course students will explore different facets of tourism for example, adventure and niche tourism. Other examples of study in this course will be travel law and travel insurance and the daily operations within a travel business.

Travel and Tourism Capstone Project [TAT-CPS]

This is the capstone project component of the Travel and Tourism program, which is the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills from the classroom portion of the program to practical situations typically encountered in a travel and tourism environment. The variety of tasks to perform as part of the capstone project will be aligned to a typical working environment and real life situations

Airline Reservation Systems [ARS4]

VIASINC is a simulated software program combining lessons and an Emulator to transform the student’s computer into a close approximation of a live computer reservation system. VIASINC is used to access information and to create industry-standard passenger name records.

Career & Employment Strategies [CES4]

This course looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview: how people find jobs; employer expectations; presenting an enthusiastic attitude; focusing on the right job; transferable skills; the job interview; effective resume preparation; cover and thank you letters; effective telemarketing; tapping the hidden job market; handling objections; job search management; self-confidence and self-esteem building; mock interviews (video-taped); and individual counselling and coaching.

Practicum [AB-TAT199]

Students will be placed in actual workplaces related to their field of study and will be expected to act as a regular employee in order to gain the valuable real-world experience that so many employers seek. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement; however, once placed, continuation in that placement is mandatory.

Would you like to get more information or apply?

Click on the button below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this Web application"

Language selection

• Français fr

Name of Web application

Job requirements travel agent in canada.

• Description
• Requirements
• Competencies

Find out what you typically need to work as a travel agent in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Travel counsellors (NOC 64310).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

• Certification with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA ) may be required.
• A college diploma or vocational training in travel or tourism is usually required.
• Completion of secondary school is usually required.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

Northwest Territories

Saskatchewan.

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

• The Benefits
• Custom Franchise
• Plans & Pricing
• Our Mission
• Testimonials

An Overview On Travel Agent Licensing Requirements In The USA and Canada Go Back Button

You are considering becoming a professional travel agent, so you start doing your research on all the things you need to start selling travel. One of the things you may research or come across is licensing. Do you need licensing to start selling travel? The answer to that question is broken down below to hopefully provide you with the clarity you need to move forward.

Travel Agent Licensing Requirements For Travel Agents In The United States

The licensing requirements in the US for travel agents is not much of a licensing process. There are no testing, training or qualification process needed. All that is required is to complete a simple form, pay a small fee and just like that, you can start selling travel in the USA. There are certain states however that have their individual "Seller Of Travel Requirements." These states are California, Florida, Iowa, Washington and Hawaii. We will look at the individual licensing requirements for those later on in this article for those looking to trade in travel products and services in any of those 5 states. 

Travel Agent Licensing Requirements For Travel Agents In Canada

Selling travel legally in Canada is not so easy as in the US. This is especially so for those living in the province of Ontario. Anyone selling travel products and services in the Province of Ontario must be a registered member of the Travel Industry Council Of Ontario (TICO) or affiliated with a registered member of TICO. There are two different types of TICO registration requirements. If you are looking to start your own travel agency, you must complete the TICO application, qualification, training and registration process to obtain a TICO registration number. If you are looking to simply sell travel, you must first complete the TICO Exam then join a TICO registered travel agency.

So here are the requirements for Travel Agents and Agencies In Ontario

A) Travel Agency must be TICO registered with a TICO number to employ or host travel agents.

B) All members of that Travel Agency, selling or giving advice for travel services, must complete the TICO Exam.

To write the TICO Exam, you must first download and read the TICO education standard manual. This manual provides you with a list of rules, guidelines and etiquette you must follow when selling travel in the province of Ontario. Once you have completed the manual, which should take no longer than one to two weeks, you then need to register for exam at one of the approved centers. You can find a list of upcoming exams on the ACTA (Association Of Canadian Travel Agents) website. The course registration fee is only $35, and there are a few courses you can take. You can either take the Travel Counselors course of if you have and can show experience in the industry you can take the travel manager/supervisor course. The combined courses will cost you $50.

To run your own TICO registered travel agency is not as easy and cost friendly as completing the exam to sell travel through an agency that is already certified. If you are thinking of starting your own TICO registered travel agency, here are the list of requirements:

-   You will need to come up with an application fee of $3000 CDN

-   You must provide your tax returns to show proof of financial stability

-   You will need to show evidence of a minimum $5000 in working capital

-   You will need to provide a $10,000 bond that TICO will hold for two years

-   You will need to open a trust account where all funds you collect for travel must be held.

-   You will need to register your travel business with Service Ontario

TICO registration numbers are non-transferable, so there are no options to buy out an already existing TICO certified travel agency. Starting a travel agency in the province of Ontario is among the hardest if not the hardest in the industry, so if you are new to the business and you are living in Ontario, the easiest thing to do is work through a host agency that is already TICO certified.

British Colombia Travel Agency Licensing Requirements

To start a travel agency in British Columbia, Canada, you are required by the Insurance Council of British Colombian to take a travel insurance exam for a fee of $225 per year. That licensing will be tied to the Agency, and each agent will be required to take the exam once, and then maintain by taking a 2-hour course each year. A 2-year lapse or non-activity will require the agency to start the process all over again.

There are some additional fees and certification requirements for sellers of travel residing in British Columbia.

-   You must register with the BC Corporate Registry

-   You must register with Consumer Protection BC

If you are a hosted agent working under an Agency located in BC, you will need to apply for a branch location of your host agency in British Columbia.

Saskatchewan Colombia Travel Agency Licensing Requirements

Similarly to British Colombia, getting licensed to sell travel in Saskatchewan Canada is insurance based. The tow exams that’s required to be written and passed are the General Insurance Council of Saskatchewan (GICS)—the Qualifying Exam (online: $109 CAD + taxes) and the Travel Bylaw Exam (online: $55 CAD + taxes). The bylaw exam is an open book exam, so you do not need to worry too much about passing it.

US Travel Agency Licensing Requirements Per State

Even though getting your travel business up and running on the national level in the United States is pretty much hassle free, some states have implemented their own registration procedures that may make things a little bit more complicated. 5 States have their own Seller of Travel laws in place. Those states are California, Florida, Washington, Iowa, and Hawaii. These laws are what is called extraterritorial laws that do not just apply to those residing in the above-mentioned states, but those outside of the states selling travel to the residents of those states.

In the State of Delaware, if you plan on opening your travel agency there, you will need an occupational license that can be obtained for the nominal fee of $25. The same procedure is said to be in Lousiana but does not seem to be enforced. When it comes to Seller Of Travel licensing requirements, Louisiana and Delaware are hardly mentioned. It is the 5 primary states mentioned above that is worth paying close attention to.

Hawaii Seller Of Travel Requirements

Hawaii Seller of travel laws states that anyone acting as an intermediary between a person looking to buy travel products and services, and anyone that wishes sell travel products and services, must first register with the Hawaii Travel Agent Licensing Program. All travel agencies, chartered tour operators residing in Hawaii is required to register at the end of each odd-numbered year. The bi-annual registration fee is $140. For those living outside of the State of Hawaii but wish to do business in Hawaii, must apply for a Certificate of Authority to sell trade in travel products and services in the state of Hawaii. The registration cost is $25 per year. For full details of these and other requirements, contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

California Seller Of Travel Requirements

Anyone that sells, offers consultation, or offers travel products and travel-related services in the state of California or from n office located in California, is required to be registered as a California Seller Of Travel. This is also including anyone selling or distributing travel certificates, a coupon, vouchers, passes, are all required to comply with the California State Seller Of Travel Laws. Failing to register may result in penalties, a cease and desist order and the possibility of criminal charges.

There are two registration programs for travel businesses located in California. Once is the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation which manages the handling of customer funds and the other is the California Seller Of Travel Program (CST) that is administered and upheld by the California Attorney General. Out of state agencies are only required to register for the CST. The California seller of travel law is strictly enforced and travel agencies conducting business are required to display their CST number on any marketing material promoting of offering travel services in the State of California.

Florida Seller Of Travel Requirements

In the sate of Florida, anyone seeking to sell travel products or travel related services must register with the Department of Agriculture of Consumer Services. The Seller Of Travel registration requirements applies to all persons offering pre-arranged travel packages, tourist related services, guided tours for Land, Air and Sea.

The state requires a bond of $50,000 and extensive disclosures in order to obtain a Seller Of Travel license. Independent travel agents are not required to post the bond but must meet the other mandatory requirements.

Iowa Seller of Travel Requirements

It is a requirement in the state of Iowa that all sellers of travel register with the department of Economic Development. This applies to anyone selling or offer consultation for travel products and travel-related services.

Washington Seller Of Travel Requirements

The State of Washington has a seller of travel registration requirement done through the Department of Licensing. There are also certain financial requirements and securities that needs to be in place. A travel business can become exempt from these fees is certain business standards are met and funds and consumer funds collected for travel are being held properly.

When looking to get licensing to sell travel, the best thing to do is thoroughly research the laws in your local area. This is another place where the value of a Host Agency comes in. By contacting a host agency, they will not only be able to save you time and money of the licensing and registration process; they will be able to provide you with a lot of the information you are looking for.

• Privacy Policy

All Rights Reserved The Travelnet Inc.