Travel Agencies in Canada

Check out Canada travel agencies' credentials and expertise before working with them
By A.S. White Tourism agencies in Canada have many similarities to and some differences than those in the United States. If you’re planning to use travel agents in Canada, you should be aware of the required licenses and preferred affiliations in assessing whether or not you want to work with them.

As with any travel agent, you want to evaluate Canadian travel agencies' backgrounds, training, credentials and expertise. The more experienced the agent, the more likely they will be able to answer questions, locate the best packages and even share their personal travel knowledge with you. All of this can make a significant difference in your trip. To assess your Canadian travel agent’s knowledge and capabilities, ask such questions as:

1. What Canadian travel agency training programs have they completed?

2. What Canada travel agent certifications have they earned?

3. How many years have they been in the business?

4. To what Canada travel agent associations or organizations do they belong?

5. How much have they traveled and to what destinations?

6. Do they specialize in any particular niche, such as certain destinations, events or activities?

Verify the credentials for Canadian travel agents

For travel agencies, Canada has the CITC (the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors) which awards the CTC (Certified Travel Counsellor) and CTM (Certified Travel Manager) designations. A Canadian travel agent must pass a series of tests and evaluations to earn these credentials. The CITC advises that because of training and experience, certified Canadian travel agents deliver better service and help clients save money, all of which results in a better trip for you.
Try:  Ask your Canada travel agent about their credentials. To locate a CTC- or CTM-designated Canada travel agency, you can go to CITC’s National Directory of Certified Travel Professionals. Travel agents who do business in Ontario must meet the Travel Industry Council of Ontario standards.

Check the affiliations to which the travel agency in Canada belongs

Travel agencies in Canada should have certain affiliations in order to deliver services. For example, to sell international airline tickets, travel agencies in Canada should be accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and have completed specific training. For domestic travel within Canada, they need to be accredited by the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC).
Try:  Check to see if your travel agency in Canada is a member of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) on their database. ACTA also provides a number of helpful tips for travelers. For those who want the added comfort of traveling under one of the most established travel associations, American Express offers a search process to help you identify Canadian travel agencies by province.

Find a travel agency in Canada that specializes in your type of vacation

Whether you're planning a cruise, a trip by plane abroad, or just a trek across the county, it's important to find Canadian travel agents that know your vacation. Different skills are involved in different vacations; make your trip the best it can be with the help of a specialized travel agent.
Try:  The Cruise Professionals is an Ontario-based travel agency specializing in luxury cruises. Maple Leaf Adventures focuses on the growing field of ecotourism. The Canadian Automobile Association offers a full range of travel services.

• Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect you from calamities such as luggage lost by the airline, illness for yourself or your family, or the closure of your travel agency in Canada.