The Mexico Tourism Board, the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Cancun Hotel Association are concerned about the situation regarding the recent bankruptcy of Conquest Vacations and have taken action.
Although this situation is out of the reach of tourists, hoteliers, and the destinations that Conquest conducted business with, we want to reassure Canadian travelers that they are always welcome in Mexico.
The issue regarding Conquest Vacations bankruptcy and stop payment to several services providers is deeply affecting the hotels in these destinations. However Mr. Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau, officially informs us that no hotel in the area will prevent any tourist from departing their hotels as planned.
The Cancun Hotel Association phone number is open to provide support at +52 (998) 881 87 30 to 39 or [email protected]
Conquest Vacations in the News
Below is an except from Globe and Mail’s Friday April 17 issue covering what TICO has issued for consumers at this time:
Hundreds of stranded vacation-goers make new plans after travel firm shuts down
By Marina Jimenez
Friday April 17, 2009. Page A2
TICO has said it will make arrangements for those with return flights on Skyservice- on of the airlines Conquest used to do the flying – from April 22 – 28. “Nobody will be left stranded” said Micheal Pepper TICO’s president and CEO.
TICO will also used a $30-million compensation fund to reimburse people for their hotel and transfer costs for a maximum of $5,000 per person, as long as they purchased their package in Ontario. People shouldn’t worry that they will pay twice for the same services, said Mr. Pepper.
Other people may have to cover their hotel costs upfront and then apply to the compensation fund for reimbursement. There are currently about 1,600 Canadians out of the country on Conquest package tours.
To read the full article, please visit www.globeandmail.com
More on what TICO has issued
From the TICO website
April 16, 2009
Conquest Vacations has voluntarily terminated it Ontario Travel Industry Act registration to do business as a travel wholesales in Ontario effective April 15, 2009.
Future Departures as of April 15, 2009No future departures will take place. Consumers who purchased their travel services from an Ontario registered travel retailer (travel agency) and paid by credit card and the payment was processed by Conquest Vacations (Conquest Vacations appears on their credit card statement) may contact their credit card company and request a chargeback. Should a consumer be unsuccessful in obtaining a chargeback from their credit card company, they may request a claim form from TICO against the Compensation Fund. Consumers who paid by credit card to a registered Ontario travel agency and the travel agency processed the payment (Name of travel agency appears on the credit card statement) should contact their travel agent or request a claim form from TICO against the Compensation Fund. Those consumers who paid by cash of cheque to an Ontario travel retailer, may request a claim form from TICO again the Compensation Fund. Please note that there is a legislated 6 month claim filing deadline. Claim forms may be requested by contacting TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or email [email protected] to request a claim form.
All consumers in destination booked on Canjet flights will be returned home as scheduled. All consumers in destination booked on Air Canada flights will be returned home as scheduled. All consumers in destination booked on Sky Service flights with return dates of April 16 – 21, 2009 will be returned home as scheduled. TICO is currently making arrangements for those consumers with return flights on Sky Service departing between April 22 – 28, 2009. Further information will be provided when these travel arrangements are in place. Please check TICO’s website for updated information as further information will be provided as travel arrangements are confirmed.
Consumers in Destination being asked to pay for Hotel Accommodation and Transfers to Airport
TICO is are that some consumers are being asked for payment for accommodations in destination and transfer service (transportation) to the airport. TICO is currently attempting to resolve outstanding payments with hotels and transfer companies in various destinations, however, should consumers be charged for their accommodations and/or transfers, they may request a claim form from TICO against the Compensation Fund. Consumers should ensure they receive a receipt from the hotel and/or transfer company in exchange for payment to support their claim. The Compensation Fund reimburses consumers for the original travel services purchased and not provided ( i.e. the Conquest travel services).
Claim forms may be requested by contacting TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or email [email protected] to request a claim form.
Agents with Outstanding Commission
Please be advised that agent commission is not eligible for reimbursement from the Compensation Fund.