A travel agency operating in a Metro Vancouver shopping mall has been shut down by regulators, leaving a trail of frustrated customers who allege they were scammed out of their money and vacation dreams.
Licence Revoked After Customer Complaints
The business licence for Vegas Vacations was officially cancelled, as confirmed by provincial authorities. The agency, which was located inside a mall in the Metro Vancouver region, is no longer permitted to operate. The action was taken following a series of serious complaints from the public regarding the company's business practices.
Customers who had booked trips through Vegas Vacations are now coming forward with stories of financial loss and broken promises. Many paid significant sums for flights, hotels, and package deals that were never delivered. "It was a scam," one customer stated bluntly, summarizing the sentiment of several who spoke about their experiences. They described paying for vacations that never materialized, with the agency becoming unresponsive to calls and emails.
Customers Left Holding the Bag
The fallout from the agency's closure is primarily financial and emotional for affected travelers. Individuals and families saved for specific trips, only to discover their bookings were invalid or non-existent. Some learned of the problem only when they arrived at an airport or tried to check into a hotel.
"We trusted them with our hard-earned money for a family reunion trip," shared another customer. "Now we're out thousands of dollars, and the plans are ruined. There was no warning." The cancellation of the licence means consumers now have little recourse to recover funds directly from the agency, turning their attention to consumer protection agencies and potential legal action.
Regulatory Action and Consumer Warnings
The licence cancellation serves as a stark reminder for consumers to exercise caution when booking travel. Experts recommend always researching a travel agency's credentials, checking for membership in consumer protection organizations like the Travel Assurance Fund in B.C., and using credit cards for payments which can offer additional dispute resolution options.
Provincial consumer protection authorities are likely investigating the matter further. The case highlights the risks in the travel industry and the importance of regulatory oversight. For the customers of Vegas Vacations, the hope is that sharing their stories will prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.
The incident occurred and was reported on January 12, 2026. The agency was located in a mall within the Metro Vancouver area.
