The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has suspended the license of travel agency Deal Travel since June 4.
STB said in a statement on Friday (June 24) that the suspension was because the agency had not submitted the necessary documents to verify its compliance with the minimum financial requirements mandated by the Travel Agents Regulations.
The board had also received complaints from Deal Travel's business partners regarding significant payments owed by the agency.
"During the period of suspension, Deal Travel is required to fulfil its existing contractual obligations to its customers but not allowed to accept new travel bookings," said STB.
It advised consumers affected by the suspension to contact the travel agency about the status of their booking or refund, or approach their insurance providers, the Consumers Association of Singapore or the Small Claims Tribunal for assistance, where appropriate.
STB has a list of licensed travel agents in Singapore at the Travel Related Users' System (Trust) website, https://trust.yoursingapore.com.
The statement comes after e-commerce platform Ensogo, which previously bought over Deal.com.sg, abruptly closed its Kallang offices on Monday.
The details of Deal Travel on the Trust website lists its contact website as Deal.com.sg, and an e-mail address with the domain of Ensogo. Calls to its offices are also directed to Ensogo.
Ensogo also announced through the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is listed, that it would be shutting down its South-east Asian business units.
We need to be careful when selecting a travel agency. I still prefer to stick to those more reputable onces.