Feb 16`18 - Gerardo Calderon and Gladys Calderon o/a Smartchoice Travel & Tours - Conviction
Toronto – On February 12, 2018, Gerardo Calderon and Gladys Calderon, carrying on business as Smartchoice Travel & Tours, were convicted and sentenced under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 (“Act”).
Gladys Calderon was convicted of five counts of failing to deposit and hold consumer funds in a trust account, contrary to section 27(3) of Ontario Regulation 26/05 under the Act. The Court sentenced Ms. Calderon to pay fines, including victim fine surcharge, totaling $10,000.00 and placed her on Probation for two years including Restitution of $23,700.00.
Gerardo Calderon was convicted of one count of making a false statement on an application for registration, contrary to Section 31(a) of the Act. The Court sentenced Mr. Calderon to a fine, including victim fine surcharge, totaling $2,500.00.
Smartchoice Travel & Tours was a registered travel agent that operated in Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario. Its registration under the Act was voluntarily terminated on June 13, 2014.
The failure of Smartchoice resulted in four claims against the Travel Industry Compensation Fund assisting eight passengers for $10,910.00.
Formed in 1997, TICO is a not-for-profit corporation wholly financed by Ontario-registered travel agents and wholesalers. It administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002 and the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. TICO may be contacted at (905) 624-6241 or 1-888-451-TICO. Visit TICO’s website at www.tico.ca or email TICO at
For More Information, Media Please Contact:
Mr. Richard Smart, President & C.E.O. or Dorian Werda, Vice President, Operations Tel: (905) 624-6241 / Toll Free: 1-888-451-TICO