Singapore Tourism Board Warns Public Against Unlicensed Travel Agents

Strategic Insights -

The Singapore Tourism Board has issued a warning to the public to only transact with licensed travel agents for the purchase of travel products. This caution comes after an investigation was launched against an individual, Lim Yi Shoon, and two companies, I-Travel Pte. Ltd. and LikeTravel Pte. Ltd., who allegedly offered travel products without a license. The STB is taking a serious view of this situation and has pledged to take enforcement action against those found guilty of this offense. The public is advised to verify the licensure of their chosen travel agents via the Travel Agents directory on the TRUST website.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched an investigation against an individual, Lim Yi Shoon, and two companies, I-Travel Pte. Ltd. and LikeTravel Pte. Ltd., for allegedly offering travel products without a license.
  • The individual and companies are not licensed travel agents and are currently under investigation by STB.
  • Carrying on the business of a travel agent without a license is an offense under Section 6(2) of the Travel Agents Act 1975, punishable by a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.
  • STB takes a serious view of such activities and will not hesitate to take enforcement action.
  • The public is advised to verify the licensure of their chosen travel agents via the Travel Agents directory on the TRUST website.
  • The Singapore Tourism Board is the lead development agency for tourism in Singapore.
  • Travel Agents Act 1975 is the legislation that governs the travel agent industry in Singapore.

Statistics:

  • $25,000: The maximum fine for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a license.
  • 2 years: The maximum imprisonment term for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a license.
  • 16: The number of the day this announcement was made (October 16).
  • 2017: The copyright year of the text provided.

Sources:

  • Singapore Tourism Board
  • Travel Agents Act 1975
  • TRUST website
  • Travel Agents directory on the TRUST website