TORONTO — TICO has announced the closure of Rejoice Holidays Inc., located in North York, Ontario.
The travel agency, which primarily sold airfare with a focus on the Philippines, had its registration under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002, revoked on Feb. 25, 2022. It is no longer in business.
Consumers who purchased travel services from Rejoice Holidays Inc. and who are in possession of their airline tickets, are asked to contact the airline(s) involved to confirm their travel arrangements. This includes any consumers who began their travel services prior to the failure of the travel agency and who may still be in destination.
Alternatively, consumers who are owed refunds for travel services cancelled due to the pandemic or otherwise may contact TICO for further assistance.
Here is an overview of the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund and Claims:
- Standard Claims
Consumers who have not travelled or have outstanding refunds:
Consumers who purchased future travel services directly from the travel agency and who do not have confirmed bookings or consumers who have not received a refund for cancelled travel services, including due to the pandemic, may request a claim form from TICO against the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund. Consumers may request a claim form by contacting TICO directly at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or email: tico@tico.ca
- Trip Completion Claims
Consumers who began their travel services prior to February 25, 2022, and are in destination:
Consumers who incurred expenses in destination (transportation, accommodation, and meals) to complete their travel plans due to travel services not provided as the result of the closure of Rejoice Holidays Inc. may have an eligible Trip Completion Claim against the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund. Consumers may request a claim form by contacting TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or email: tico@tico.ca
Note that there is a legislated 6-month filing deadline for claims. The filing deadline is Aug. 26, 2022.
- Filing a claim against the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund
Note the claim filing deadline listed above. Claims received at TICO after the filing deadline date will not be valid.
Legislation requires claimants to explore all other possible options for reimbursement as part of the claims process. Therefore, claimants who paid by credit card and who were charged by Rejoice Holidays Inc. for their travel services not provided, are required to do the following:
- Contact their credit card company and dispute the Rejoice Holidays Inc. charge and request a refund (credit / reversal of the charge on their account).
- If your credit card company refuses to provide you with a credit refund, you will be required to obtain a letter from the credit card company stating that a credit refund will not be provided.
- The letter from the credit card company must be submitted with your claim against the Compensation Fund.
- If you are unable to obtain a refund (chargeback) from your credit card company or obtain all the documentation required to substantiate your claim in a timely manner, please submit your claim form to TICO prior to the deadline date.
- Any additional documentation that is required to complete the claim can be sent to TICO when it is obtained.
For any questions or clarification, contact TICO at 1-888-451-8426 or (905) 624-6241 or email: tico@tico.ca.
