Tour Operators
- provides information and publications on various sectors of the tourism industry, including tour operators.
GroupTour.com [Shoreline Creations]
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North American communications company linking suppliers and group tour planners through educational publications, trade shows and technology services
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produces Group Tour Magazine
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provides information and resources for group tour planning, including free group tour planning software
- national association representing motor coach operators in Canada
- provides information, publications and representation for members
- North American tour operator professional association with an interest in packaged travel
- provides business, marketing and networking resources for tour operators
Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation: Travel Activities and Motivation Survey [TAMS]: Touring Segmentation Report - October 2001
This report profiles North American touring segments.
Full Report: - [ 186 pages ]
The Final Report has been broken down into the following sections for those who have a slower Internet connection:
- Introduction [ pages 13 - 15 ]
- Touring Segmentation Overview [ pages 17 - 31 ]
- Wine Tour Enthusiasts Detailed Segment Profile [ pages 33 - 61 ]
- Scenic Tour Seekers Detailed Segment Profile [ pages 64 - 92 ]
- Personal Explorers Detailed Segment Profile [ pages 95 - 123 ]
- Exotic Tour Seekers Detailed Segment Profile [ pages 126 - 154 ]
- Ocean Cruise Enthusiasts Detailed Segment Profile [ pages 157 - 185 ]
Tour Operator Licensing Requirements
Business
Tour operators do not require a provincial business license through Alberta Government Services or Consumer Services Branch unless they operate as a travel club. Visit the Government Services website to find out How to get a Travel Club Business Licence.
Vehicle
Tour operators providing ground transportation within Alberta require appropriate vehicle registration, 6C endorsement insurance, an operating authority certificate, and vehicles with a capacity of 11 or more passengers require a federal National Safety Code rating.
The Motor Transport Board, Alberta Transportation and Utilities, Red Deer, 1-800-662-7138, issues operating Authority Certificates and National Safety Code ratings.
Applications for Operating Authority Certificates must be accompanied by evidence of 6C endorsement insurance and a vehicle inspection certificate. Operating Authority Certificates must be renewed annually, and have a fee of $50. New tour operators will require a 60-day Temporary Operating Authority Permit [$35] in order to obtain vehicle license plates and registration. An annual Operating Authority Permit will still need to be purchased once vehicle registration, license plates and insurance have been obtained.
As of March 2003, the fee for a federal National Safety rating is $50, and the processing time for both the Operating Authority Certificate and National Safety Code rating is between 2-3 days, plus in-mail duration for most likely a maximum of 2 weeks total processing time.
