Launch a Travel Agency in Regina: Start Your Adventure Today
This page helps you start a travel agency in Regina (NAICS 561510). It provides a clear, actionable path with the 9 essential requirements, permits you’ll likely need, and a practical view of startup costs and a realistic timeline. You’ll see what licenses matter, what filings to complete, and how to estimate upfront costs. Use this guide to move from idea to launch confidently.
From choosing your business structure to registering for GST/HST, this page walks you through the 9 requirements, permits, and practical steps to set up a Regina travel agency. You’ll learn about insurance, supplier contracts, client protections, record-keeping, and the typical costs and timeline so you can build a concrete action plan and start selling travel.
Why Regina? The city combines steady travel demand with a friendly small-business climate, affordable setup costs, and a network of suppliers and mentors. It’s a practical, welcoming place to launch your travel agency in Canada under NAICS 561510.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Regina is Saskatchewan Travel Agent Licence (GICS). This is a legally required credential you must hold before offering travel planning services; you cannot legally run the business without it. It is non-negotiable. Once you secure this licence, you can move forward with the other registrations that keep your business compliant.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the critical licence, you’ll need to cover basic health, safety, and municipal permissions. Start with a City of Regina Business Licence to operate locally. If you hire employees, register with the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) for workplace coverage. And depending on your chosen business structure, you’ll also complete the relevant Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also register your business name with Saskatchewan ISC and obtain a Business Number (BN) from the CRA. If your revenue meets the threshold, register for GST/HST and set up Payroll Deductions if you have staff. The exact forms depend on whether you operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, but aligning your business name, BN, GST/HST, and payroll with the right agencies is essential.
Encouragement: Next steps are to tackle the travel agent licence first, then methodically complete the other registrations. Gather the needed documents, note fees, and set a simple timeline. Consider a quick chat with a local accountant or business advisor to streamline the process—you’ve got a solid plan, and taking it step by step will get you up and running smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies in Regina:
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Saskatchewan Travel Agent Licence (GICS) RequiredTravel agencies and travel counsellors must register with provincial consumer affairs authorities or travel industry regulatory bodies. Registration protects consumers through compensation funds for travel supplier failures. Requirements include business registration, participation in consumer protection funds, professional liability insurance, and compliance with disclosure requirements. Registered travel agencies must provide clear pricing, disclose all terms and conditions, and follow ethical sales practices. Some provinces require travel counsellor certification and bonding. Agencies must maintain trust accounts for client advance payments in some jurisdictions. Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) provides a model for comprehensive regulation. Operating unregistered agencies or misappropriation of client funds results in compensation fund claims, registration revocation, fines, and fraud charges. Online travel agencies and tour operators must also comply. Obtain travel agent licence through General Insurance Council of Saskatchewan: 1. Pass GICS Qualifying Exam ($109 online) 2. Pass Travel Bylaw Exam ($55 online - open book) 3. Register with employing travel agency 4. Submit application to GICS 5. Pay licence fee 6. Maintain annual licence and CE requirements
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your travel agencies:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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