Travel agency S Travel shuts down unexpectedly
SINGAPORE — A Singapore-based Korea tour operator has abruptly shut down, with a notice on its door advising affected customers to contact their insurers or the Small Claims Tribunal.
SINGAPORE — A Singapore-based Korea tour operator has abruptly shut down, with a notice on its door advising affected customers to contact their insurers or the Small Claims Tribunal.
S Travel had “unexpectedly ceased operations”, said the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) on Friday (April 1). S Travel was a member of the association.
When TODAY visited its outlet, a notice on its door said the agency had “ceased operation(s) with immediate effect due to unforeseen circumstances”.
The notice was put up since Thursday (March 31), said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which has served a notice to S Travel to revoke its travel agent licence.
The STB said in a statement it is looking into the matter and may consider taking further actions against S Travel and its directors, if necessary.
S Travel will be given until April 21 to provide reasons against the revocation of its licence, otherwise the revocation will take effect unless an appeal is submitted to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
STB advised affected consumers to S Travel regarding the status of their booking or refund. If S Travel cannot be reached or fails to provide relevant service delivery or refund, consumers with applicable travel insurance are advised to approach their insurance providers. Consumers who are not covered by travel insurance can approach the Consumers Association of Singapore or the Small Claims Tribunal, where appropriate, said the STB.
Several NATAS member agencies have offered to help affected customers. They are Air Sino-Euro Associates Travel (ASA Tours), Citystate Travel, Scenic Travel and UOB Travel Planners.
However, they will not be taking over the bookings without payment. The agencies will instead offer discounts to affected customers.
Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel, Dynasty Travel and Hong Thai Travel have also “indicated their willingness to join this initiative”, said NATAS.