As a traveler, you like to be well-informed and, above all, well-protected. With this in mind, I've decided to talk to you today about a little-known but incredibly important form of protection!
Are you familiar with FICAV? The Travel Agents' Customer Compensation Fund is a financial protection administered by the Consumer Protection Office.
How does it work?
As a customer, you automatically benefit from this protection when you purchase tourist services (flights, hotels, cruises, etc.) through a travel agency.
The FICAV allows you to obtain a refund if the travel agency or supplier (airline, hotel, etc.) is unable to provide you with the services you purchased.
Important: If you deal directly with a supplier, without going through a travel agency, the fund simply does not protect you. Therefore, you are not eligible for these reimbursements.
Inexpensive for good protection!
The contribution you pay when you book a trip through an agency forms part of this fund. Your contribution is 0.1% of your purchase. For example, if you buy a $1,000 trip, you will contribute $1 to the fund. A small price to pay for such good protection, isn't it?
Since its creation in 2004, the FICAV has paid out more than $8.1 million to more than 18,800 Quebec travellers.
Important: If you decide to book your trip online, make sure it's with a travel agency that holds a permit from the Office de la protection du consommateur (Consumer Protection Office). You can easily verify this using the "Check a Merchant" search tool on the Office's website.
In short, when you travel, you have every advantage in using a travel agency! You will have much more peace of mind.
If you have any questions, I invite you to consult the website: voyagezbienprotege.gouv.qc.ca
With that, have a good trip!
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