The Australian Travel Compensation Fund says booking with a licensed agent is “more important than ever’”as more businesses struggle in the tough economic climate. The TCF has exceeded $50 million in payments to Australian travellers who have been left out of pocket after their travel agencies collapsed. However, travellers are eligible for financial protection only if they used a licensed agent. The TCF was set up in 1986 to provide a safety net for travellers who would lose money if a travel agency collapsed or became insolvent.Source: news.com.au; find article here>>.