TICO shares new data on Ontario’s travel trends and sentiments

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) is fully aware of just how hard Ontario travel agents have worked throughout the pandemic. Calling their passion and dedication for providing exception service and consumer protection “truly commendable,” the organization is extending its gratitude to agents for all that they do.

“It has been a challenging three years for the travel industry, but Ontario’s travel agents have proven their expertise, professionalism and commitment to their clients day after day,” said CEO Richard Smart. “Travel agents are an integral part of Ontario’s travel consumer protection framework and play a vital role in ensuring consumers have added peace of mind as they purchase travel.”

TICO conducts yearly research with Ontario consumers to better understand their perceptions and sentiments around travel and consumer protection. It is sharing the findings of its latest survey of 1,209 Ontario residents, which highlight their current concerns and preferences around travel, and opportunities for travel agents to highlight the value of consumer protection. Key findings include the following:

• 53% of respondents said they are more likely to travel to/within Ontario in 2023

• 44% of respondents said they are more likely to travel to/within Canada in 2023

• 40% of respondents said they are more likely to travel internationally in 2023

• When asked how confident they would be getting accurate and up-to-date information when booking with an in-person travel agent, 33% of respondents said very confident, 33% said confident, 19% were neutral, and 7% said not very confident

• When asked how concerned they are about protecting their financial investment when booking travel, 2-in-3 respondents said they are “always” or “often” concerned

• 50% of respondents said they “strongly agree” with the statement: I expect to be fully refunded, or offered other similar travel, if my travel is cancelled for any reason other than me

• 36% of respondents said they “strongly agree” with the statement: I are more likely to book travel with flexible change/cancellation policies today

• 30% of respondents said they “strongly agree” with the statement: “I feel travel is more complex now than prior to the pandemic”

• When asked how they would rate the value of a travel agent, 22% of respondents said they find agents to be “extremely valuable” in 2023, compared to 17% prior to the pandemic

To view the report click here.

The key takeaway is this: during what has at times been a volatile travel environment, consumers continue to value the added peace of mind that comes with TICO’s consumer protection.

To help spread the word among clients, download shareable resources in TICO’s Registrant Toolkit here.

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