Company in Singapore Charged for Operating Without a Travel Agent Licence

The Singapore Tourism Board has informed the public that Tourist World Travel Services Pte Ltd (TWTS), and TWTS director, Ms Seah Juat Ngoh, were convicted by the Subordinate Courts of Singapore for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a travel agent’s licence under Section 6 of the Travel Agents Act (Cap 334) on 21 February 2013.

In July 2011, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) issued a Notice of Intent to Revoke against TWTS following complaints received for non-delivery of services.

Subsequently, in August 2011, TWTS surrendered their travel agent licence to STB together with a letter declaring the cessation of business.

STB continued with checks on TWTS and, in an enforcement raid conducted in September 2011, found ample evidence that TWTS had continued to operate as a travel agent despite having surrendered their licence to the Board.

TWTS and its director, Ms Seah, pleaded guilty to 5 charges and 3 charges against them, respectively. TWTS was fined $7, 500 and Ms Seah $4,500.

The STB took the opportunity to remind the public to exercise due diligence when engaging in any transaction, and specifically, to:

- Read all terms and conditions carefully before entering into any purchases.

- Purchase only from licensed travel agents

- Look out for the displayed licence before making purchases at travel agents’ premises.

- Check that payment is being made to the right party before proceeding with payment.