I am shocked to hear that a bill proposed by five Rhode Island legislators to deregulate travel agencies in the state was recently signed into law by the governor.

Up until now, travel agencies and agents working for travel agencies in Rhode Island had to be licensed and the agency itself also had to be bonded, therefore protecting the consumer. Everyone had to pass an exam testing his or her proficiency and knowledge in the travel industry. We were one of about 12 states that regulated travel agencies much as they do Realtors. We were very proud that we were one of few states that cared enough to protect the consumer. We took pride in the fact that we were licensed professionals and had passed tests to be able to sell travel. The travel laws in Rhode Island were put into effect in 1976 to protect the traveling public. They were very strict concerning who could sell travel, who could advertise travel, etc.

The new law will allow every Tom, Dick and Harry to sell travel. How will you know what you are getting? Anyone can collect your money and then run off with it. Who will regulate that? The consumer will lose in the end. Every person who travels should send a letter to their representatives telling them that they don’t want to lose their protection.

I realize that a lot of consumers now think that booking their trips on the Internet is the way to go. However, how do you know if that site is a reputable, reliable site? We travel agents already get calls from persons who have booked online and need help because they are not aware of items such as passports and so on and so on. If you book with professionals, they tell you the important facts about your trip.

Representatives Carter, Gallison, Rose, Malik and Fellela didn’t ask travel agents how they felt about repealing the licensing of travel agencies. What do they know about the travel-agent profession? Unfortunately, it is the consumer who loses in the end!

ANGELA GRANDCHAMP

Middletown

The writer owns a travel agency.