Be careful when signing up for overseas travel during the holidays—Tourism Bureau reveals 39 problematic travel agencies

▲ Tokyo is one of the most popular overseas cities for Taiwanese travelers. The photo shows Showa Park in Tokyo. (Photo / kuma)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As the winter vacation travel season peaks, to protect the rights and interests of travelers, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has announced the operational status of travel agencies from June 19, 2015, to January 15, 2016. In addition to 8 agencies whose business licenses were revoked, 10 that applied for suspension, 17 that applied for dissolution, 1 listed as a non-cooperative entity, and 3 that failed to purchase performance bond insurance, the public is also reminded that when participating in travel activities organized by agencies or purchasing international flight tickets, they should only buy from agencies holding valid travel business licenses to ensure protection.

The Tourism Bureau stated that the 8 travel agencies whose licenses were revoked are located in Taipei City: Lovia, Mitsubishi, Xiangfu, Yuanbao, and Donghai; in Miaoli County: Fengxiang; in Nantou County: ShanHong; and in Kaohsiung City: Guozhou.

Ten agencies voluntarily applied for business suspension, including Wenkang (suspended until 2016/7/23), Minghong International (until 2016/6/30), Xixin (until 2016/8/31), Tongyi (until 2016/10/23), Taichang (until 2016/11/30), National International (until 2016/12/30), New Generation (until 2016/12/16), Juqiao (until 2016/12/24), Shanghai Travel International (until 2016/12/31), and Huidong (until 2016/12/31).

Additionally, 17 agencies applied for dissolution: Alice in Taoyuan City, Instant Communication in Hsinchu City, Shin Law in Chiayi City, Yuanshianqing in Taoyuan City, Ripeng in Taipei City, Zouba in Taipei City, Tianxiang International in Kaohsiung City, Futainet in Taichung City, Feixiang International in Taipei City, Ruiji in Taoyuan City, Wanfeng in Taipei City, Shi Mei in Taipei City, Guilin Shanshui International in Kaohsiung City, Jinlong Transport Company in Taipei City, Youhe in Kaohsiung City, Changlin in Taipei City, and Junhui in New Taipei City.

Taipei Xiang’an Travel Agency was listed as a non-cooperative entity by the Taiwan Clearing House. Three agencies that failed to purchase performance bond insurance as required: Taipei Tianlv, Xiang’an, and Kaohsiung Harley.

The Tourism Bureau reminds travelers of six key points when joining travel activities organized by agencies or purchasing international flight tickets:

1.When joining a group tour, travelers should choose a legitimate travel agency with a valid license to sign a travel contract for better protection and confirm that the person handling the booking is a certified travel industry professional. Information on licensed travel agencies and professionals, qualified tour leaders and guides, precautions for group tours, and the list of agencies mentioned in the announcement can be found on the bureau’sAdministrative Information Networkunder the Consumer Protection section.

Additionally, the “reference selling prices” for quarterly tour groups can be viewed on theTravel Quality Assurance Association website. If you opt for a travel product priced below the reference rate, it is advisable to research and compare its contents carefully.

2.Before signing a contract with a travel agency, travelers must thoroughly read the terms and itinerary details, understand the agency’s operational status, request a collection and payment receipt upon payment, and confirm that both performance bond insurance and liability insurance before departure have been arranged.

3.When purchasing travel products at travel fairs, ensure there is a clear departure or usage date, and sign a standardized domestic or international travel contract with the agency. Avoid signing unapproved travel contracts or order forms not authorized by the Tourism Bureau.

4.Travelers are reminded to check the latest travel safety information for their destination and refer to the travel advisories published on theBureau of Consular Affairs websitebefore purchasing overseas travel products or departing. Consider whether to travel based on these advisories and prioritize your own safety. Also, register personal information on the “Overseas Travelers Registration” page on the website to facilitate timely assistance from overseas embassies or consulates if needed.

5.Before traveling abroad, check whether your passport is valid for at least six months. If not, apply for a renewal as soon as possible.

6.Recently, some overseas travel companies or multi-level marketing businesses have promoted travel funds for referring new members or discounted prices for booking tours, flights, and hotels on foreign websites. These foreign travel companies do not have branches in Taiwan. In case of travel disputes, your rights may not be protected, and such companies are not covered by the Travel Quality Assurance Association’s mediation or compensation services. When traveling, always choose a licensed domestic travel agency to safeguard your rights.

The Tourism Bureau stated,For travel inquiries, you can call the bureau’s toll-free number 0800-211734 or the Quality Assurance Association’s complaint hotline 02-25068185. Additionally, if travelers encounter emergencies abroad, they can seek assistance from the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Emergency Contact Center for Taiwanese Abroad (Global Toll-Free Number 800-0885-0885).”