{March 18, 2005} VICTORIA – Malou Travel Services Inc.’s travel agency licence has been suspended by the Director of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority, effective March 17, 2005. The suspension will remain in effect until March 31, 2005 at which point the agency has advised that it will be closing. The licence was suspended as a result of violations of the BC Travel Industry Regulation.

Consumers are advised that Malou Travel Service Inc. is no longer licensed to provide travel services.

The Director under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act has the authority to issue, refuse, suspend and cancel licenses for travel agencies.

Clients who have booked travel services with the agency and have not received services may be eligible to receive a refund from the BC Travel Assurance Fund. The Travel Industry Regulation requires that a claimant make reasonable effort to obtain compensation from a credit card company or insurer before making a claim to the fund. As a result, proof of refusal must be provided in writing. Also, consumers must file a claim within 6 months after the date the loss occurred.

The Travel Assurance Fund is maintained through contributions from licensed travel agencies and only covers consumers who have booked through a travel agent licensed in British Columbia.

For other industry information notices, including business closures, visit our Industry Information webpage or contact the BPCPA Operations unit at 1-888-564-9963. 

The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority is a not-for-profit organization which operates at arm's length from government. On July 4, 2004, the Authority assumed responsibility for the oversight of business practices and consumer protection in British Columbia, including enforcement under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, the Cremation, Interment and Funeral Services Act, and regulations, licensing specific industry groups, and offering information and complaint resolution services through a toll free BC consumer call centre.