About The Travel Industry
Sometimes there is confusion over the difference in functions between tour operators and travel agents.
Tour operators are the organizers and providers of package holidays. They make arrangements and contracts with hoteliers, airlines, and other Suppliers, and then promote and sell those assembled travel packages, usually through Travel Agents.
Travel agents give advice and may sell and administer the bookings for a number of Tour Operators. Agents can also sell the individual Supplier 'components' (e.g. flights, ferry bookings, car hire, etc...) for those who travel independently.
Suppliers are providers of individual travel elements, such as airlines, cruise lines, hotels, car rental companies, coach & rail companies, travel insurance providers, etc...
CATO Members are registered in Ontario and/or Quebec, and/or British Columbia where Travel Protection Laws are in place. CATO members from other provinces must provide a Surety Bond allocated to Consumer Protection for the benefit of their clients.
All CATO Members must meet stringent minimum standards in order to be members. These requirements greatly increase the level of confidence afforded the travelling public when using the services of a CATO Member company.
Look for the CATO Logo - The Mark of Professionalism in Travel