{February 2, 2006} VICTORIA – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is seeking comments from stakeholders on potential changes to the existing Travel Industry Regulation.  This comes in response to concerns expressed by the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) and the Travel Industry Advisory Group (TIAG).  TIAG was established in 2004 to identify consumer and industry related issues and potential solutions for consideration by the BPCPA and to provide feedback on any matters put forward by the BPCPA for consideration.

The BPCPA reviewed recommendations from ACTA and TIAG for changes to the regulation of the travel industry in BC.  Both groups agreed that changes may be required to the regulations. Based on discussions, the BPCPA has prepared a consultation paper on possible changes to the Travel Industry Regulation. The BPCPA is seeking feedback over the two month period from February 2 to March 31, 2006.  Once the feedback is received, the BPCPA will review the submissions and prepare a recommendation to government.

 The issues raised included concerns about the existing Telecommuting Guidelines and the Commission Agent Guidelines. In order to eliminate the confusion created by these guidelines, the BPCPA is now giving notice to travel licensees that both the Telecommuting Guidelines and the Commission Agent Guidelines will be eliminated, effective April 1, 2006.

 The “Consultation Paper on the Travel Industry Regulation” will be sent to all travel licensees and posted on the BPCPA website to obtain input from all interested parties. Please provide your input to the BPCPA (email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) by Friday, March 31, 2006.

If you would like additional information, please contact the BPCPA at its BC toll free number 1 888 564-9963 or visit the BPCPA website at www.bpcpa.ca.

View the list of members of the Travel Industry Advisory Group