If you live in Canada, have a passion for travel and an entrepreneurial spirit, you’re in the right place. This article breaks down how to become a travel agent in Canada, with steps and an overview of the requirements.
Requirements for becoming a travel agent in Canada
There are no federal licensing requirements for becoming a travel agent, but there are specific requirements for residents of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. This article covers requirements in Ontario and British Columbia.
Industry-specific requirements
Anyone wanting to book travel professionally needs an IATA number or equivalent (e.g., TIDS), a globally recognized identification number that allows travel agents and agencies to earn commissions when booking hotels or other travel-related services. Most travel agents partner with a host agency, such as Fora, which provides access to an IATA number (usually along with other benefits) in exchange for a commission split.
There are no degree requirements to become a travel agent in Canada, though some host agencies and regulatory bodies have their own requirements. Obtaining a travel agent certification is generally recommended, as it lends credibility to your business and establishes your expertise. Many host agencies, including Fora, offer travel agent training and certification programs.
Setting up a business
Travel agents are often independent contractors, which effectively makes them business owners. In Canada, you can decide to operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, cooperative or corporation. You may also need to register your business with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Each structure comes with advantages and disadvantages, which you can learn more about here.
You should consult legal and tax professionals to learn more about different corporate structures and your tax obligations as a business owner.
Ontario
Specific requirements for Ontario residents: pass the TICO exam
If you’re a resident of Ontario or you plan to market your travel services to Ontarians, you must pass the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) Travel Consultant exam and be affiliated with a TICO-registered travel agency like Fora before you sell travel services in Ontario. There is no cost to access the free materials to begin studying, but you do have to pay for each exam attempt: $35 the first time, and $24 for subsequent attempts (you can take it as many times as you need and your results are not reported publicly). The test is taken virtually and consists of 50 multiple choice questions, with results typically released within three business days. Everyone learns differently, but plan to study for 3-5 hours to pass the TICO exam.
British Columbia (BC)
Specific requirements for BC residents: operate under Fora’s CPBC license
If you’re a resident of British Columbia and plan to market your travel services to BC consumers, you do not need to secure your own license. Fora is licensed by Consumer Protection BC (CPBC) as a travel agency, and you can operate under our CPBC license as an advisor. This permits you to sell travel services such as transportation, accommodation, cruise, all-inclusive packages, as well as any combination of those services.
Selling travel insurance
The only additional step comes if you want to sell travel insurance directly to BC residents. Fora now holds a Restricted Travel Insurance Agency License in British Columbia. BC advisors may sell travel insurance under our license provided they complete both of these requirements:
Pass the Insurance Council–approved travel insurance exam (administered by ACTA).
Complete two hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
BC-based travel advisors who have not yet completed the steps to sell travel insurance under Fora’s license can still partner with Allianz Canada, which sells insurance directly to clients and pays competitive commission to the advisor for making the referral.
For more details on the exam and CE requirements, please visit this page.
Steps for becoming a travel agent in Canada
Read on for a step-by-step guide for becoming a travel agent in Canada.
Understand the role of a travel agent and the industry at large
Travel agents book and plan trips for clients. The planning process can be as in-depth or hands-off as the client prefers. Many travel agents also curate itineraries for clients. Others just book accommodations.
Find the right host travel agency
Obtaining your own IATA number is a long and often tedious process. It also requires access to a significant amount of capital (to demonstrate financial security). Instead, most travel agents in Canada and abroad choose to sign on with a host agency for access to their resources, including an IATA number. Fora offers a suite of marketing tools, expert-led training, a streamlined booking platform and a robust community eager to share their wisdom. Additionally, Fora takes care of invoicing and chasing payments so our travel advisors can focus on what they do best: planning excellent trips.
Train as a travel agent
Once you pick a host agency, you’ll need to learn how to use the agency’s tools and understand its partner relationships, which you can leverage to entice potential clients with hotel and other travel perks. Fora’s expert-led program covers everything from booking basics to marketing best practices. Fora’s travel agent training is also ongoing, allowing you, if you choose, to earn more advanced, in-depth certifications and learn about niche offerings, specific destinations and more. From here, you’re free to book travel as you please.
Types of travel you can sell as a Canada-based travel agent
As a travel agent based in Canada, there are no broad restrictions on the type of travel you can book (agents in some countries are limited). You will generally be free to book hotels, cruises, rental cars, tours, travel insurance and any other travel-related service. However, some travel suppliers — hotel brands, rental car services, etc. — require Canada-based travel agents to go through Canada-specific platforms.
Receiving commission with a Canada-based bank account
Each host agency handles payments differently. At Fora, we can pay our Canada-based advisors in Canadian dollars (CAD) via a preferred payments partner or in U.S. dollars (USD) if an advisor has a U.S. domiciled account, such as through Wise. No other steps are necessary.
Apply to become a Fora travel agent in Canada
Fora provides all the tools and resources you need to operate a travel business in Canada and abroad. If you have a love for travel and an entrepreneurial mindset, apply to become a Fora Advisor today to get started.
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