When the government announced last year that it was giving out $100 worth of tourism vouchers to support local businesses, Singaporeans couldn’t believe their luck.
Businesses must also have celebrated until they saw the long list of participating outlets.
With so many tours, attractions, and hotels for staycations to choose from, businesses had no choice but to look up to the skies for help to guide customers to their shops.
One business, however, decided to look into its wallet instead.
Travel Agency Allegedly Offered Cash for SingapoRediscovers Vouchers
The police have arrested three people linked to travel agency Continental Travel for their suspected involvement in fraudulent redemptions of SingapoRediscovers Vouchers.
As you know, these tourism vouchers can’t be used instead of cash at physical outlets but must instead be redeemed through authorised booking partners.
The $100, which comes in denominations of $10, can be used to offset the cost of your purchases at participating outlets.
However, wanting customers to use the vouchers at Continental Travel, the three suspects allegedly offered customers cash for redeeming their vouchers through the purchase of local tours from the agency.
The suspects were arrested on 27 Sep. Investigations are ongoing
The police said what all of us already knew – that this is not allowed under the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers scheme.
They added that they take a “serious view” of any attempt to defraud government support schemes.
Travel Agency Removed From SingapoRediscover Vouchers Scheme; Existing Bookings Not Affected
In response to the incident, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) issued Continental Travel Singapore a notice of intent to suspend its travel agent licence.
Unsurprisingly, it has also been removed from the SingapoRediscover Vouchers scheme.
However, while it will no longer be able to accept bookings involving the vouchers, existing SingapoRediscover Vouchers bookings with the agency that are legitimate will not be affected, STB said.
The travel agency is required to inform all customers of the notice to suspend its travel agent licence, though it has two weeks to appeal the notice.
Vouchers to Expire on 31 Dec 2021
As you know, the vouchers were initially due to expire in June this year, but the authorities extended the scheme to 31 Dec, 2021.
Those who have received the vouchers – Singaporeans aged 18 and above – can use them to make bookings through the five following authorities platforms:
- Changi Recommends
- GlobalTix
- Klook
- Traveloka
- Trip.com
The good news is that Singaporeans who have difficulty redeeming their vouchers online can seek assistance at 34 community clubs and centres across Singapore.
Here’s a list:
All you’ll need to bring is one document of identification, such as your NRIC, passport, or National Service ID.
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Featured Image: Facebook (Continental Travel Singapore)
