The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has issued a press statement, stating that a Notice of Revocation has been served to Sky Travel & Tours Pte Ltd (Sky Travel) on 6 December 2016 in accordance with the Travel Agents Act (Chapter 334), as the company has ceased operations and is unable to fulfil its obligations towards its customers.
In accordance with the TA Act, Sky Travel & Tours Pte Ltd will be given until 27 December 2016 to provide reasons against the revocation of their travel agent licence, failing which the revocation will take effect unless an appeal is submitted to the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI).
STB said that affected consumers should contact Sky Travel regarding the status of their booking or to seek a refund.
In the event that Sky Travel cannot be reached or fails to provide the relevant service delivery or refund, consumers with applicable travel insurance should approach their insurance providers for assistance.
Consumers who are not covered by travel insurance can approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT), where appropriate.
It also said that it is looking into the matter and may consider taking further action against Sky Travel and its directors, if necessary.
“We take this opportunity to remind consumers to take precautionary measures such as purchasing travel insurance upon payment of the travel plans, and to pay by instalments instead of making full payment. The travel insurance should provide coverage for unforeseen events such as when a travel agent becomes insolvent,” it said.
STB noted that it adopts a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary action to protect consumers’ interest and safeguard the reputation of Singapore’s tourism sector.
For the latest list of licensed travel agents in Singapore, please visit the Travel Related Users’ System (TRUST) website, https://trust.yoursingapore.com.
