Consumer Protection BC issues travel services licences based on the requirements of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the Travel Industry Regulation.

Definitions

The following defined activities require a licence:

"Travel agent" means a person who engages in the business or occupation of selling or otherwise providing to the public travel services supplied by another person.

"Travel wholesaler" means a person who engages in the business or occupation of:

1. purchasing or acquiring from another person rights to travel services for the purpose of resale; or
2. dealing with travel agents or other travel wholesalers for the sale of travel services supplied by another person.

"Travel service" means:

1. transportation;
2. accommodation; or
3. another service combined with transportation or accommodation

that is for the use or benefit of a traveller, tourist or sightseer.

Exemptions from Licensing

The following classes of persons are exempt from the requirement to be licensed as a travel agent or travel wholesaler:

1. a person providing sightseeing or tour guide services if the person is not providing any other travel services;
2. a common carrier providing scheduled interline transportation if the carrier is not providing any other travel services;
3. a person who is an agent of a person licensed or whose licence is continued under the Passenger Transportation Act, selling bus travel services if the person is not providing any other travel services; or
4. an operator of a motel, hotel or resort in respect of arranging local travel services that are incidental to the provision of accommodation.

Please view Consumer Protection BC's policy statement regarding the exemption from licensing for hotel, motel and resort operators.

Questions?

Please contact our Licensing Department.