“I’m not surprised that WestJet Vacations has done the right thing here. This typifies the corporate culture and superb guest focus that exists throughout the entire WestJet product and service line. By assuring travellers the option of a full refund, WestJet Vacations instills confidence and trust when buying a WestJet product through your local travel agency”, said ARTA Canada president, Bruce Bishins, CTC.

Other tour operators are only offering travel vouchers, alternative destinations, or rebooking at a later time-limited date. This is unacceptable. Travellers have the right to a complete refund, not only because it would be the equitable and fair thing to do, but because most all tour operator terms and conditions provide for a complete refund if the tour operator itself cancels the trip.

ARTA Canada has contacted the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) to ask why some member tour companies are not abiding by their respective terms and conditions and CATO’s own mandate of promoting and increasing the prestige, confidence and public awareness of the business of tour operators conducting business in Canada.  ARTA Canada will issue an update as soon as it hears from CATO.