{Oct. 4, 2012}, VICTORIA, BC – Consumer Protection BC is informing BC travellers that S.K.Y. Travel Management Inc., doing business as Travel Story Tour and/or Samuel International Travel, a travel agency with locations in Vancouver and Surrey, BC has ceased operations.

Consumer Protection BC is aware that there are consumers who are impacted by the closure. If travelers are currently traveling and cannot return to their destination, we advise that they contact a licensed travel agent for assistance as they will be able to help with options for re-booking.

We are advising travellers who have made travel arrangements with S.K.Y Travel Management Inc. and who have not yet received their travel services, to follow these steps:

1. If you purchased travel services with a credit card, please call or write to the credit card company to determine if the charges can be reversed.
2. If you purchased separate travel insurance, please call the insurance provider to see if it will cover the costs of the undelivered services.
3. If you are still unsuccessful in getting a refund, you may be may be eligible to make a claim for the cost of the services not provided under BC’Travel Assurance Fund.

The Travel Assurance Fund is a fund of last resort and provides possible compensation for consumers who did not receive the contracted travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.  So far this year, the Travel Assurance Fund has paid out over $174,000 and assisted over 89 consumers. This brings the total fund payments since 2004 to over one million dollars helping approximately 1, 315 consumers.

Eligibility to the Travel Assurance Fund is available to both consumers and BC licensed travel agents. All claims must be filed within six months from the date that the travel services were not provided. 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.

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Media Contact Only:
Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, Manager of Corporate Communications
P 604-296-2856 M 250-686-1077 TF 1.888.564.9963 ext: 2802
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Consumer Contact:
TF 1-888-564-9963
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