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All about the Travel Business in |
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Travel Agency Regulations in Canada are a provincial jurisdiction. I have an extensive background in dealing with Alberta Travel Agency issues and requirements. Want to start a travel agency, want your own home based travel business, dealing with agencies other provinces? As well, there are some little know issues you should know about if you are doing business in Alberta. Why I believe I am qualified. |
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| What Provincial Licences or Registration is required in Alberta? - None! There are no Provincial Registration, Licence or Seller of Travel requirements to be a travel agent or operate a travel agency in Alberta. Please note municipal requirements below. | |||
| Consumer Protection - there is no consumer protection or assurance fund in Alberta. | |||
| Province of Alberta: AIC - Alberta Insurance Council - THIS AFFECTS YOU if you are selling Travel Insurance (medical, trip cancellation, baggage etc.), A licence is required - it is referred to as a "Certificate of Authority. It is a "designated individual" that is licensed and they must be "recommended" by the insurance company. Each individual agent does not have to have a license, they are to be listed under the Certificate of Authority. Restricted Certificate Holder  for more informationAIC (780) 421-4148 (Edmonton) or (403) 233-2929 (Calgary). Direct Selling Business Licence A direct selling business is the business of soliciting, negotiating or concluding sales contracts in person at any place other than the sellers’ place of business. These contracts are for goods or services that will be bought by an individual for primarily personal, family or household use. THIS AFFECTS YOU if you deal (sell travel, discuss prices, receive payments) with your clients in their office, their home, at a coffee shop or over dinner you are required to have this license. Fair Trading Act Travel Clubs THIS AFFECTS YOU if you charge clients an annual fee of more than $200, sell travel club memberships, "wholesale travel for life" or any other type of annual fee that is over two hundred dollars. This regulation does not apply to: travel agencies booking vacations as long as they do not sell travel club memberships; and travel club contracts in which the total amount paid to enter into the contract, including any ongoing or periodic fees, is less than $200 where there is one adult member in the household, or $400 if there are two or more adult members in the household. Internet Sales Contract Regulation THIS AFFECTS YOU if you have a travel website providing real time travel bookings. |
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| Operating a business from home: Operating a business from home requires meeting the zoning by-laws controlling property uses in your municipality. In many jurisdictions zoning approval is required and then a business license is obtained. |
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| Business License - Calgary: not required for a travel agency in Calgary but if in doubt, call the City's Finance Department, License Division at 268-5521 (fax: 268-2291) For full contact Information Licenses for home-based businesses There are two types of licenses for home-based businesses: home-based occupation, and a home-based business. Home-based business licenses are granted so long as the nature of the neighborhood is preserved, since your neighbors bought their homes without prior knowledge of your business. A home-based occupation Calgary (Class 2) covers many small businesses. This is likely the appropriate licence if: you have a partner, want to have people visit your home, or have an employee work at your home. The Class 2 licence costs $158, and forces certain restrictions: A home-based business Calgary (class 1) business licence is suitable for a small home business, such as consulting services or where you do most of your work outside the home. You can even use this licence if you are buying and selling goods using a post office box. The cost for this is $25. More Information If you have any questions about which licence class is appropriate, call Calgary city hall at (403) 268-5351 |
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| Business Licence - Edmonton - . You need a City business license, your application can be taken over the phone. When you pay for the licence notice, your application will be processed. (phone 780-496-5233) Licenses for home-based businesses
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| What is: IATA, International Air Transport Association AgentHome Area 1 (Canada & Bermuda) Forms for Accreditation, Satellite Ticket, Notice of Change The requirements for becoming an IATA Approved Agent are set out in detail in the Travel Agent's Handbook and Guide to Automation which is published by IATA. The rules, or resolutions as they are known, have been developed by airlines and travel agents and approved by all of the IATA member airlines. Anyone considering becoming an IATA Approved Agent should obtain a copy of the handbook from IATA. The handbook can be obtained from: The Senior Passenger Agency Officer International Air Transport Association 2000 Peel St. Montreal, PQ, H3A 2R4 Tel: (514) 844-6311 Fax: (514) 844-8657 Travel Agents wishing to become IATA Approved Agents must apply to IATA using the prescribed forms and pay the required fee. The IATA application fee is currently $884.89 inclusive of taxes. ($920.29 in Quebec). The application package can be obtained from: The Senior Passenger Agency Officer International Air Transport Association 2000 Peel St. Montreal, PQ, H3A 2R4 Tel: (514) 844-6311 Fax: (514) 844-8657 ITSS,
Travel Settlement Services - administered by IATA |
Travel Associations |
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| Commercial Location: Should I be IATA appointed / BSP Should I Have a TIDS number / ITSS Home Based Business: Host Agencies Should I have a TIDS number / ITSS |
Travel Industry ID Card - administered by ACTA Info and qualifications for the card $85.00 for two years $60.00 for two years for ACTA members; CSTAR will refund $25 of the $85 to their members ID Card Application Form |
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| Business Operations What form of business entity: Proprietorship, Partners or Incorporation? Advantages & Disatvantages - Corporation, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Limited Partnership Trade Names Employee or Self Employed? Business Number (BN) You should also get a Business Identification Number (BIN) from CCRA (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) , which is also your GST number (no expenses qualify for a GST refund until you have a number!!). If you expect gross revenues over $30,000 you are required to collect and remit GST, and need a BIN number. Contact CCRA, Taxation, GST at 403-221-7900 (Calgary). E&O Coverage Taxation CCRA (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) Business Enquiries line 1-800-959-5525 |
Other Resources GST and Travel GST/HST information for the convention and travel industry. Zero rated travel, when GST is not collected. Employee or Self Employed? CCRA (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) guidelines THIS AFFECTS YOU if you are an independent contractor or commissioned sales agent http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4110/rc4110ed.html Revenue What will the airlines pay? http://www.exclusivevacations.com/acta/commission.htm |
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| Getting Started: Travelfacs - Link Resouces for Sales, advertising, marketing , buyer's guides, forums, publications, events, calendars - all for the travel industry Business Names - Registering Trade Names, Partnerships and Limited Partnerships in Alberta Corporate Registry Service Delivery Basic Services Corporations - Incorporating an Alberta Corporation, List of Corporate Forms Corporate Registry Service Delivery Level 1 Services Spend a week with a professional: An introduction to the business by spending a week "job shadowing" an independent consultant who has started and is running their own travel business as an independent contractor. Get the facts and "how do I's ?" This individual has over 25 years in the industry and can help you avoid the pitfalls. $500, the best investment you can make before you invest. Contact me for details and available weeks |
Business Resources Links: |
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barlowb@shaw.ca
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March 10, 2003 Travelfacs |
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