YTB Global Travel sues Travel Opportunities over Cancun hotel reservations

A recently filed lawsuit names a travel company and owner who allegedly failed to secure accommodations for a business retreat.

YTB Global Travel Inc. filed suit June 18 in Madison County Circuit Court against Travel Opportunities LLC and Grant Merz.

According to the complaint, on March 6, the plaintiff executed an agreement with the defendant for accommodations at a resort in Cancun, Mexico, for the plaintiff company's regional meeting from Aug. 7-14. In accordance with the agreement, the plaintiff paid $152,080 in deposits prior to May 28, when Merz contacted the plaintiff about not being able to execute the agreement as promised, according to the suit. After contacting the plaintiff with other options to secure the needed accommodations, the plaintiff company's president requested a refund of the deposits, which the defendant has thus far failed to repay, the suit states. YTB has paid $202,718 to secure the accommodations through other means, it claims.

The defendants are accused of breach of contract, conversion, consumer fraud and a violation of the Deceptive Business Practices Act.

The plaintiff is seeking damages of $354,798, plus costs and for the court to hold Merz personally responsible. It is represented by attorney Regina L. Wells of HeplerBroom LLC in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-881.