{November 10, 2006} VICTORIA, BC – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is advising consumers that 5 Star Vacation Accommodations and Holiday Home Rentals Ltd. operating from Victoria ceased operations on November 1, 2006 and is no longer a licensed BC travel agency. 

In British Columbia, travel agencies are required to be licensed with the BPCPA and contribute to the travel assurance fund (the “fund”).  The fund provides compensation to consumers who have suffered a loss after paying a BC licensed travel agent for travel services that were not received.  Travel services include transportation, accommodation or other service for the use or benefit of a traveler, tourist or sightseer; 

The Travel Industry Regulation requires that claimants make reasonable efforts to obtain compensation from a credit card company or insurer before submitting an application to claim against the fund.  

For specific information about the Travel Assurance Fund, please click here or contact the BPCPA Inquiry Line toll free at 1-888-564-9963. 

To determine if a travel agency is licensed by the BPCPA, please click here to search licensees or contact the BPCPA licensing department toll free at 1-888-777-4393.