By The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER, B.C. - The B.C. Automobile Association says it's closing all of its store-front travel offices because most people are making their travel arrangements online.

The offices will close on Jan. 15, putting 157 people out of work.

BCAA says it will continue to offer travel services online, by phone and through its customer service centre in Burnaby, B.C.

But the company also says it's accepting offers from other travel companies that might want to buy out the association's remaining travel business.

BCAA president Bill Bullis says the rise of the Internet industry and a fall in agency commissions have made it difficult to operate the travel business at a profit.

He says the company will ensure all existing travel bookings are fulfilled and will offer career counselling for staff members losing their jobs.