In the latest action, STB on July 13 gave Asiatravel.com Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries 14 days to submit reasons to STB, “to show cause against the Notice of Intent to Suspend their travel agent licences”.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) continues to come down hard on travel agents who do not meet their obligations to business partners and customers.
In the latest action, STB on July 13 gave Asiatravel.com Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries 14 days to submit reasons to STB, “to show cause against the Notice of Intent to Suspend their travel agent licences”.
During this period, STB said Asiatravel and its subsidiaries would still be required to ensure that consumer bookings were not affected, “and make good all existing obligations to their consumers and industry partners. They are also required to inform all customers of the notice of intent to suspend with immediate effect”.
The Notice of Intent to Suspend is served on grounds of public interest as STB notes Asiatravel’s auditor’s disclaimer of opinion over the continuation of Asiatravel as a going concern in the audited financial statements of the group for the 2017 financial year.
“The Board is cognisant that Asiatravel and its subsidiaries are unable to fulfil some of their outstanding obligations to their business partners and customers,” STB said in a statement.
It added, “STB takes a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry.”
On its website AsiaTravel.com says it is “Asia’s leading online travel company that offers a global inventory of over 8 million travel products worldwide. Its online booking feature for all-inclusive packages strongly appeals to travellers seeking convenience, instant confirmation and extra savings. Its ability to provide full travel services at packaged prices establishes its distinctive position in the online travel market.”