By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
With the approach of holidays and winter vacation, more people are traveling abroad. The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications reminds consumers to pay close attention to the operating status of travel agencies when choosing group or individual tours. Recently, the Bureau announced a list of travel agencies that have ceased operations, including those whose licenses were revoked: 2 agencies – Jinqun Travel Agency (Taichung City) and Qianhong Travel Agency (Miaoli City); 1 agency that applied for temporary suspension – Xianglong Travel Agency (Kaohsiung City, until 2011/11/30); and 5 agencies that dissolved – Feichi (Taipei City, dissolved by order of Taipei City Government), Wangjia (Taipei City, self-dissolved), Dingji (Taipei City, self-dissolved), Dongming (Taipei City, self-dissolved), and Zhankun (Taipei City, self-dissolved). Details on tour precautions and the list of these agencies can be found on the Tourism Bureau’s administrative information website under “Press Releases” or the “Consumer Protection Section.”
Before traveling abroad, pay close attention to itinerary, flight and other details to ensure a smooth trip. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
The Tourism Bureau stated that information about legitimate travel agencies can be found under “Tourism-related Industries” – “Travel Agencies” on the Bureau’s administrative information website. Names of qualified tour guides and leaders can also be checked via the “Consumer Protection Section” on the same site. In addition, the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China has published quarterly reference prices for tour groups on its website, which consumers can view online.
It is recommended that travelers visit the travel agency in person before signing a contract to understand its operating condition, carefully read the contract terms, and then sign. When making payments, remember to ask for an official receipt of collection and payment, and confirm that the travel agency you are dealing with has liability insurance and performance guarantee insurance. In case of disputes after signing the contract, consumers may submit a written complaint with the official receipt and contract to the Quality Assurance Association (Address: 11F, No. 78, Sec. 2, Chang’an E. Rd., Taipei City) or the Tourism Bureau (Address: 9F, No. 290, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Taipei City).
The year-end holiday travel boom is here again – being well-prepared ensures you enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. (Photo by Li Xinyi, ScenicSpots.com)
For related travel inquiries, you may also call the Tourism Bureau’s toll-free hotline: 0800-211734, the Quality Assurance Association’s toll-free complaint hotline: 0800-558185, the Taipei Travel Agents Association: 02-25312191, the Kaohsiung Travel Agents Association: 07-2413881, or the Taiwan Provincial Travel Agents Association Federation: 05-2772715. Additionally, if travelers encounter emergencies abroad, they can seek help from the “Overseas Emergency Contact Center for Taiwanese Travelers.” The global toll-free emergency assistance hotline is: 800-0885-0885.