The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has approved three claims against the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund and in addition has secured the conviction of Brian McKinlay, who operated as Meridien Cottages.
Claim Approvals
On 28JUN, TICO's Board of Directors approved 3 claims against the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund totalling CAD $6,310 to assist 8 consumers who did not receive the travel services for which they had paid.
The approved claims are as follows:
- Fly Jamaica Airways - 1 claim to assist 2 consumers, totalling CAD $2,588
- Jet Airways - 1 claim to assist 4 consumers, totalling CAD $2,322
- Sunmed Holidays Inc. - 1 claim to assist 2 consumers, totalling CAD $1,400
In addition, the following claim was denied:
- Fly Jamaica Airways - 1 claim for 2 consumers, totalling CAD $2,190, as the claim was received beyond the filing deadline.
Convicted: Brian McKinlay
After being charged by TICO, Brian McKinlay, who conducted business as Meridien Cottages, was convicted of one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered.
Brian McKinlay operated a web site where consumers could book overnight accommodations at various cottages. While most of the cottages listed on the website were owned by Brian McKinlay, there were listings for two cottages that were owned by a third party.
Brian McKinlay has been sentenced in Court to a CAD $2,500 fine, including a victim fine surcharge, as well as a two-year probation.
For more information on TICO, visit its web site.
