OT--Go Travel South Bankruptcy

[pta-mom]

This is OT on Disney but I thought I would ask my "usually all-knowing" Dis-Friends if they have any advice for me.

My family booked a March break trip with a company that we've used a few times in the past and had had good experiences with. Although we live in Ottawa, this on-line travel agency is out of Halifax, NS with flights leaving from Halifax and Ottawa. We paid almost $3000 for a week in DR with our kids...paid in full three weeks ago through a transfer of funds from our bank account. The company, as of yesterday, says it has had to close down due to economic reasons. It did not say bankrupt but I'm assuming that is what it is meaning. The company released a press statement that all trips are cancelled effective immediately and refunds for unused trips can be received from the clients own credit card provider.

As I said, we did not use a credit card but paid through direct deposit. The company says they are not answering any email and all phone calls are going unanswered as well. Is their anything we can do? Are we completely out of $3000? Anyone have any experience with this?

I should have just booked Disney...........

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

oh my.... no advice but that really stinks. Hope you get it sorted out!

 

[tone.def]

Is the agency registered with TICO in Ontario? If so, you have ZERO worries. TICO will ensure your trip is take care of. TICO pays the suppliers from the compensation fund that all registered travel agencies pay into. It's law.
Always, ALWAYS book your trip with a TICO registered travel agent in Ontario is this is the province you live in going forward.

 

[kid@heart2]

Sorry to hear about that...thats rotten. I wish I had some advice for you but am thinking about you.

I heard the news this morning about their seizing service.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Is the agency registered with TICO in Ontario? If so, you have ZERO worries. TICO will ensure your trip is take care of. TICO pays the suppliers from the compensation fund that all registered travel agencies pay into. It's law.
Always, ALWAYS book your trip with a TICO registered travel agent in Ontario is this is the province you live in going forward.

This is absolutely true. Go on the TICO website and you will find out how it works.

If the agent was not registered I'm afraid that you are most likely out of luck.

Sorry this has happened to you.

 

[Sue M]

I am so sorry. I hope the agency is registered as others said.
Always book using Visa, then you are protected no matter what. We charge WDW vacay to Visa, then transfer our funds to the Visa to pay it off.
Esp. after hearing in past years of so many people stranded when the airlines went under.
I hope you can get your $ back. I don't know if phoning WDW would be any help.

 

[tjbaggott]

Sorry to inform you of this, but they are not registered with TICO. They were originally based in Ontario, but on this evenings news, it was stated that a while back they were suffering financially and moved to N.S. The news did inform what TICO is, and that in Nova Scotia, there is no such registration and also stated that the owner denies that that was the reason for moving to N.S.
A very brief interview with the owner had him saying "I'm sorry for the inconveinence this has caused customers, but I'm the one who is suffering the most. I put $$$$$$ of my own money into this company....."
I was apalled at that statement from him, but also realized the news put him on saying it himself so people could see what a jerk he is.
I have NO idea of any recourse you can take, but call Disney and see if they have your reservation. Is there a possibility that the agent had already paid Disney? Check it out. You may be out your airfare though. I would imagine a collective group trying to sue them (if they haven't actually declared bankruptcy). Not sure how all this would work, But I do wish you all the best in either getting your vacation or your money back.

 

[Disney*Dreaming]

I have nothing helpful to add I'm afraid. I just wanted to say how sorry I am that this has happened to you and your family.