{May 11, 2012} VICTORIA, BC – Consumer Protection BC is informing consumers that Shilla Tours and Travel Ltd., a travel agency and wholesaler located in Burnaby, has ceased operations effective today.  Consumer Protection BC is aware that there may be consumers who are impacted by the closure and is advising travelers who have made travel arrangements with the agency and have not received their travel documents to contact Consumer Protection BC as they may be eligible to claim against the Travel Assurance Fund.

The Travel Assurance Fund provides compensation for consumers who did not receive the contracted travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.  The Travel Assurance Fund has paid out over $146,000 and assisted over 60 consumers to date in 2012.  Consumer Protection BC has also reimbursed travel agents who prevented consumer loss by either reimbursing consumers or providing travel services at their own expense when a travel supplier goes out of business. 

Eligibility to the Travel Assurance Fund is available to both consumers and BC licensed travel agents. There’s a lot to know about the Fund, for more details, please contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963 or visit our website at www.travelrightsbc.ca. To confirm that a business is licensed, look for the Consumer Protection logo on their website and in their office location or simply 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. 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 Public Relations
P 604.296.2856 M 250.686-1077 TF 1.888.564.9963 x.2802
E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it