MISSISSAUGA — TICO’s latest industry updates include one conviction, one new charge, and eight new claims against the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. 

CONVICTED

After being charged by TICO, Elite Encounters and Adventures Inc., pleaded guilty to operating as a travel agent without registration, contrary to the Travel Industry Act, 2002. 

Additionally, Dwayne Pogue pleaded guilty to being an Officer and Director of a corporation and failing to take reasonable care to prevent the Corporation from committing an offence.

Elite Encounters and Adventures Inc. received a suspended sentence and a two-year probation. Pogue was fined $12,500, inclusive of a victim surcharge.

CHARGED

TICO has charged Encore Sport Tours Ltd. with one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered.

David J. McCabe has also been charged with one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered, and one count of being an Officer and Director of a corporation and failing to take reasonable care to prevent the corporation from committing an offence. 

McCabe will appear in court on Aug, 21, 2023 in London, Ontario.

Individuals convicted in court of offences relating to the Travel Industry Act, 2002 are subject to fines of up to $50,000 and/or prison terms of up to two years. Corporations are subject to fines of up to $250,000.

CLAIMS

On July 25, 2023, TICO’s Board of Directors approved eight claims against the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund, totalling $44,180 to assist 16 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid.

The approved claims are as follows:

• Albarkah Travel and Tours: 1 claim to assist 3 consumers, totalling $4,253
• Crystal Cruises: 4 claims to assist 8 consumers, totalling $31,280
• The Travel Broker Group: 1 claim to assist 1 consumer, totalling $1,250
• World Travel Inc.: 2 claims to assist 4 consumers, totalling $7,397

In addition, the following claims were denied:

• Rejoice Holidays Inc.: One claim was denied as it was received beyond the legislated filing deadline date
• Interjet Airlines: Five claims were denied as they were claiming for unredeemed credits issued by Interjet Airlines
• Luxury Travel Centre Inc.: Four claims were denied as they were based on credit card misuse by the registrant