According to the Industry Canada website, the travel and tourism industry in Canada generates more than $70 billion dollars and directly employs more than 600,000 employees. The travel and tourism industry is expanding in Canada and provides many opportunities for new companies to thrive.

Step 1:

Register your Canadian travel agency through your provincial government website if you are registering it as a partnership or sole-proprietorship. If you are registering your agency as a corporation, complete the registration and payment on the Government of Canada business website.

Step 2:

Register your business with your provincial travel agency association if it is in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. In other provinces, register with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Step 3:

Register your travel agency with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies. Applications and fees are completed on the ACTA website. Registration fees vary depending on the number of employees in your business and are renewed annually. You are required to include your provincial registration number or IATA number.

Step 4:

Acquire additional permits and licenses. Some travel agencies are required to possess additional licenses and permits before they can operate. In Ontario, you must have a sales tax number to charge sales tax on your goods and services. In British Columbia, if you are employing staff, you must register your company with BC’s WorkSafe program. Information on additional licenses and permits can be found on your provincial business website.