STB proposes tougher new travel agency laws
After a number of high profile travel agency closures, the Singapore Tourism Board has proposed amendments to the Travel Agents Act and Regulations.
STB and the Ministry of Trade and Industry plan to give investigators more powers to take photographs, and audio and video recordings when monitoring agencies suspected of breaking rules.
The maximum fine for unlicensed agencies will more than double to S$25,000 and all businesses must log details of all customers purchasing travel insurance that covers agent insolvency.
There will also be stricter rules governing cancellation policies and false advertising.
"The majority of our travel agents are professional and conduct their businesses responsibly but as the travel industry transforms and consumer expectations evolve, we need to update the regulatory framework to safeguard the interests of consumers, and also ensure that the business environment allows travel agents to innovate and grow," senior minister of state for trade and industry Sim Ann.
The Travel Agents Act was last updated a decade ago.
There will be a two-week period of public consultation on the proposals inviting industry and public comments.
Several travel agencies have folded with little or no notice in recent months including well known business Misa Travel which left hundreds of travellers stranded last month.
Meanwhile, Devinder Ohri, the president of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) has stepped down after closing down his retail travel business.
Calling it ‘a planned commercial decision,’ G.C. Nanda and Sons will reposition itself as a wholesale distributor of travel products, he said.
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