{April 2, 2009 } VICTORIA, BC – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is reminding consumers that the revised travel regulations announced by the government in late 2008 took effect April 1, 2009.

All travel agencies in BC are required, by law, to have a licence issued by the BPCPA. As of April 1, 2009 travel agents are required to do/provide the following:

• Licence number must be displayed on all advertisements.
• Licence certificate must be displayed prominently on the premises.
• A receipt for all payments or refunds for travel services that includes the following detailed information:
  • date;
  • the consumer’s name and address;
  • a description of services;
  • an itemized purchase price for the travel services to be supplied;
  • refund conditions;
  • the licensee’s full contact information.

“By booking with a licensed travel agent, should a consumer not receive the services they paid for, they may be eligible to claim under the Travel Assurance Fund that all licensees pay into as part of their licensing requirements,” commented Terry Barnett, CEO, BPCPA. “We encourage all BC consumers to be aware of the travel regulations and to check that the travel agent they are dealing with is licensed by the BPCPA.”

In order to qualify for BPCPA licence, travel agents are required to receive a background check as well as comply with a number of other requirements including financial security.

Consumers can easily verify online at www.bpcpa.ca if their travel agent is licensed by the BPCPA.  .

The BPCPA is a not for profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforces BC’s consumer protection laws. The BPCPA balances the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and businesses. The BPCPA licenses collection services, cemetery and funeral services, motion picture theatres, distributors, and video retailers, telemarketing services, travel services and home inspectors.