"The CMC has been idling any interest or action on dealing with travel consumer protection since 2004. It's shameful that the federal government cannot move this issue forward so that travellers can be protected on a national basis. Both consumers and local retail travel agents suffer when these unscrutinized tour operators shut down, leaving consumers holding worthless tickets and tour arrangements and leaving travel dreams shattered. We simply cannot allow a tour company to set-up shop in a province without regulatory oversight of travel operators so as to avoid the higher standards of business operations and consumer protection afforded in BC, Ontario, and Québec", said ARTA Canada President Bruce Bishins, CTC.

Bishins, a former board member of Ontario's travel industry regulator, TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario), has been a long-time proponent of a national travel consumer protection plan, financed by an optional, small fee paid by travellers who wish such protection. A mandatory nationwide plan, financed by travel consumers as it is in Québec, is also a viable option.

"Credit card companies will soon reject being the fall guy for these failed travel companies. It's difficult enough for travel merchants to maintain processing agreements to facilitate consumers' desire to pay by credit card. If our industry and government do not take steps to protect consumers via other means, the entire industry will suffer a credit crunch of devastating consequences to industry stakeholders and consumers who wish to pay for their travel on a credit card", added Bishins.

ARTA Canada will continue its efforts to draw national attention to the need for a federal travel consumer protection plan and regulatory regime.