Five Stars customers get more help

MORE travel agencies have stepped forward to help customers who have been left stranded by the sudden closure of Five Stars Tours.

The National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas) said last Friday that it is working with seven travel agencies and insurance firm AIG Asia-Pacific to reach out to customers.

Air Sino-Euro Associates Travel will charter flights on Jan 29 and 30 from Johor Baru to Ipoh, and offer them at a discounted price.

Those who make bookings will also get a complimentary coach transfer from People's Park Centre in Singapore to Senai Airport in Johor Baru.

CTC Travel will allow those who present a Five Stars travel voucher or booking form to exchange them for CTC travel vouchers. The redemption period lasts until Jan 24.

Dynasty Travel, meanwhile, will provide 120 free coach seats to affected customers travelling to Kuala Lumpur on Jan 29 and returning on Feb 3.

These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and bookings must be done before next Friday.

The other travel agencies involved are Chan Brothers Travel, Hong Thai Travel, New Shan Travel, and Super Travels. They are offering a mixture of rebates and discounts.

In addition, AIG Asia-Pacific Insurance is giving affected customers a 20 per cent discount on its Travel Guard insurance if they book a new trip with Natas members.

The Express Bus Agencies Association, which represents coach operators running mainly between Malaysia and Singapore, will also charter extra buses and provide discounts.

Five Stars Tours, which had been operating since 1990, abruptly closed its doors on Wednesday afternoon, leaving thousands scrambling to make alternative travel plans.

Many had purchased Five Stars packages to Malaysia for Chinese New Year.

The Singapore Tourism Board revealed yesterday that Five Stars had been served with a notice that its travel agent licence would be revoked.

It also said that affected customers who have purchased travel insurance before the closure should seek help from their insurance providers.

Those who are not covered by travel insurance should approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) or the Small Claims Tribunal.

linettel@sph.com.sg

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