{July 20, 2012} VICTORIA, BC – Consumer Protection BC is informing BC travelers that Kumuka Worldwide Inc., a travel agency and wholesaler located and registered in Ontario, has ceased operations. Kumuka Worldwide Inc. has issued a notice on their website at www.kumuka.com stating that anyone booked on a trip which departs after Sunday July 22, 2012 will need to rebook with another operator.

Consumer Protection BC wants to inform BC travelers of their options regarding refunds and eligibility through BC’s Travel Assurance Fund.

INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS:

If you do not receive your contracted travel services and:

• booked with a travel agency, contact the agency for assistance with a refund. If you paid the travel agency using cash or cheque they may be able to provide a refund to you directly.
• purchased travel services with a credit card, call or write to the credit card company to determine if the charges can be reversed.
• purchased separate travel insurance, call the insurance provider to see if it will cover the costs of the undelivered services.

If you are unsuccessful in getting a refund and booked through a licensed BC travel agent, you may be eligible to claim under BC’s Travel Assurance Fund for the services not provided.

If you are unsuccessful in getting a refund and booked through a licensed Ontario travel agent or booked through Kumuka Worldwide Inc. directly, please contact the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) for assistance. Please view the TICO notice regarding the closure for more details.

BC’s Travel Assurance Fund, under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the BC Travel Industry Regulation, provides possible compensation for consumers who did not receive the contracted travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent. There’s a lot to know about the Fund and eligibility. For more details, please contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or visit our website at 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. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and BC businesses. 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. You can also follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC, like us on Facebook and read our blog for valuable consumer tips and resources.

Media Contact Only:
Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications
P 604.296.2856 M 250.686-1077 TF 1.888.564.9963 x.2802
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Consumer Contact:
TF 1-888-564-9963
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Operations Contact:
TF 1-888-777-4393
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