As a result of several BC travel agencies closing, the BC’s Travel Assurance Fund compensated about $36,000 collectively to 24 consumers in the first four months of 2015. 
The Travel Assurance Fund is a last resort fund that provides compensation to consumers who paid for – but didn’t receive – travel services purchased through a BC-licensed travel agent or wholesaler. 
Last year, 96 impacted travellers were paid out $121,000 through the Travel Assurance Fund, Consumer Protection BC. This organization administers the Travel Assurance Fund. 
“We want to help consumers if they find themselves faced with the sudden closure of their BC-licensed travel agency, but it can be challenging when consumers come to make a claim and don’t have documentation to prove that they paid for their travel services,” says corporate spokesperson Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith for Consumer Protection BC.
By law, travel agents and wholesalers must give consumers detailed receipts upon payment. Travellers make provide documentation when making a claim with the Travel Assurance Fund.
Tips for BC consumers purchasing travel services:

1. Check that your agent is licensed. Look for a certificate or call Consumer Protection BC to check (1-888-564-9963).

2. Keep proof of payment documentation. Ask for and keep your receipts, contracts, itineraries, boarding passes, hotel vouchers, and other documentation for your travel services. Make sure the information is legible, too.

3. Find out more about the Travel Assurance Fund. The Travel Assurance Fund doesn’t cover purchases made by gift certificate, damage deposits, dissatisfaction with the quality of services and circumstances beyond the control of the supplier (such as natural disasters, bad weather and more).

 For more details about the Travel Assurance Fund, including information translated into Hindi, Korean, Chinese, Punjabi and Filipino, visit the Consumer Protection BC travel website at  www.travelrightsbc.ca.