{February 9, 2012} VICTORIA, BC – It has been reported in the news that two international airlines have ceased operations recently, Spain’s Spanair and Hungarian airline Malev. This has left many consumers seeking recourse for their purchased airline tickets. British Columbians may not know that they could be protected in this type of situation if they booked through a licensed BC travel agent.

BC’s Travel Assurance Fund, administered by Consumer Protection BC, provides a possible source of compensation for anyone who has not received the travel services they purchased. In 2011, the fund assisted 48 travel consumers and provided payments of approximately $46,000. This brings the total fund payments since 2004 to almost $850,000 helping more than 1,225 consumers.

All travel agents and wholesalers located in BC are required to be licensed by Consumer Protection BC. They must meet a minimum set of financial standards and provide annual contributions to the Travel Assurance Fund for the first three years as part of the licensing process. The fund offers protection to both consumers and licensed travel agents in their transactions.

We encourage consumers to book through a licensed BC travel agent to receive the added protection of the fund. To confirm that a business is licensed look for the Consumer Protection BC logo on their website (see sample below) and in their office location or visit www.travelrightsbc.ca.

There’s a lot to know about the Travel Assurance Fund and eligibility for both consumers and travel businesses.  For questions about the fund, please contact our Inquiry Centre toll free at 1-888-564-9963 or visit www.travelrightsbc.ca.

Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. Our vision is confident consumers and trusted businesses in a thriving marketplace. We license and inspect specific industries, respond to inquiries through our Inquiry Centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law. For more information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.

Follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC, like us on Facebook and read our blog for valuable consumer tips and resources.

Look for this image on the website of licensed BC travel agents and wholesalers: