Beware of summer travel scams！ Tourism Bureau releases list of revoked travel agency licenses

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

With the peak summer travel season approaching, to protect the rights and interests of travelers, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, in accordance with Article 43 of the Development of Tourism Act, has announced the operational status of travel agencies from April 16 to June 18, 2014. A total of four travel agencies had their licenses revoked, while eight others voluntarily suspended operations, dissolved, or were listed as refused transaction accounts by the Taiwan Clearing House. Travelers should pay close attention to these matters before purchasing summer travel packages to avoid potential disputes.


▲ Illustration of Japan. When choosing a travel agency for overseas trips, be sure to pay attention to relevant details. (Photo / Taken from the Tokyo Tower official website)

The Tourism Bureau reminds consumers that when joining tour groups, it is safer to sign travel contracts with legally licensed travel agencies and to confirm that the person handling the booking is a qualified tourism industry professional. Information on licensed travel agencies, tourism practitioners, certified tour guides and leaders, precautions for group travel, as well as the aforementioned list of agencies subject to the announcement can be found on the Bureau’s Administrative Information Network (http://admin.taiwan.net.tw) under the Consumer Protection section. Additionally, the “reference selling prices” for tour packages each quarter can be found on the Travel Quality Assurance Association’s website (http://www.travel.org.tw). If you opt for products priced below the reference rate, it is advisable to inquire further and understand more about the details of the travel package.

International flight tickets have varying rules for use and refunds. It is recommended that travelers fully understand the relevant information before purchasing and compare options to choose what best fits their needs. Furthermore, in light of recent cases where Taiwanese travelers booked low-cost airline tickets online themselves or through domestic travel agencies, and subsequently encountered disputes due to limited services, unfamiliarity with terms, flight delays, or unexpected cancellations, the public is urged to clarify their rights and obligations with low-cost airlines in advance and thoroughly understand the relevant boarding precautions to reduce potential conflicts.

Before traveling

The Tourism Bureau stated that for travel inquiries, visitors may call the bureau’s toll-free number 0800-211734 or the Quality Assurance Association’s complaint hotline at 02-25068185. Additionally, travelers encountering emergencies abroad can seek assistance from the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Emergency Contact Center for Taiwanese

【Tourism Industry Operational Status from April 16 to June 18, 2014】

I. The business licenses of four travel agencies were revoked: Yimei (Taoyuan County, failed to replenish the required guarantee deposit within the stipulated period). Lianjiali International (Taipei City, failed to replenish the required guarantee deposit within the stipulated period). Yihua (Kaohsiung City, failed to fulfill travel arrangements and committed significant fraud against tourists). Tianxi (Taipei City, failed to replenish the required guarantee deposit within the stipulated period).

II. Three travel agencies voluntarily applied for temporary suspension of operations: Haoshuai (suspended until 2015/5/15, Taichung City), Dongzhou (suspended until 2015/5/30, Taipei City), Jialian International (suspended until 2015/5/30, Taipei City)

III. Four travel agencies were dissolved: Huangmen (Tainan City), Hou Shan Evergreen (Hualien City), Play Mad (Kinmen County), Yuan Yu (Taipei City)

IV. One travel agency was listed as a refused account by the bill exchange: Tianxi (Taipei City)