Travellers say they’ve lost thousands of dollars in the recent closure of Western Australian agency, Global Plus Holidays.
The company shut its doors last month, with the Director telling the Australian Department of Commerce’s Consumer Protection that the business “was facing financial difficulty”.
A statement from the government group said the agency is seeking advice from insolvency accountants.
Consumer Protection says around five customers are believed to have been affected by the closure, equating to around $15,000 in holiday money, however, WA Today reports it could be around 40 people affected and $150,000 in money lost.
Among the travellers affected is believed to be a couple that was travelling abroad at the time of the closure who said they were left stranded because the agency hadn’t paid for their return flights.
Another customer said she lost around $7,500 after learning the agency had cancelled her flights to Greece and pocketed the money.
Elisabeth Poland said she went online to check the flight but couldn’t find the ticket. She then rang the airline and was told that “the agency called and cancelled your ticket and we’ve refunded them the money”.
Consumer Protection’s Acting Commissioner, David Hillyard, is urging travellers who may have booked through the agency to contact the airline and accommodation providers to ensure they have confirmed bookings and that they’ve been fully paid.
“We are in contact with the business operators to endeavour to get a complete list of customers whose bookings may be in jeopardy.”
David Hillyard, Consumer Protection Acting Commissioner
“Agency customers who booked travel insurance through the agency are advised to also check with the travel insurance company direct to confirm that their policy is valid.”
Any travellers affected by Global Plus Holidays’ closure are being asked to contact Consumer Protection either by email: onsumer@commerce.wa.gov.au or by phone: 1300 30 40 54.
Heard or seen anything new? Share it with us below.
