Notice of Intent to Suspend Continental Travel Singapore’s Travel Agent Licence for Alleged Abuse of the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers Scheme

Singapore, 15 October 2021 – In accordance with the Travel Agents Act (Chapter 334), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has issued Continental Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Continental Travel Singapore) a Notice of Intent to Suspend its travel agent licence due to its suspected involvement in fraudulent SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) redemptions. Continental Travel Singapore allegedly engaged in cashback arrangements by partially refunding, in cash, the value of the SRV bookings made by some members of the public.

Continental Travel Singapore has also been removed from the SRV scheme and will not be able to accept new bookings involving the SRV. Existing SRV bookings that are legitimate will not be affected, and pre-booked experiences can still proceed as planned.

Continental Travel Singapore has 14 days to appeal against the Notice of Intent to Suspend their travel agent licence. Continental Travel Singapore will still be required to carry out all existing obligations to its consumers and industry partners, including ensuring that all existing bookings, regardless of whether they involve the use of SRVs, are not affected during the notice period and any subsequent suspension period. It is also required to inform all customers of the Notice of Intent to Suspend its travel agent licence.

STB takes a serious view of any attempt to abuse the SRV scheme and has referred the matter to the Police. On 27 September 2021, the Police arrested three persons linked to Continental Travel Singapore, for their involvement in a series of suspected fraudulent SRV redemptions. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Citizens are reminded that the SRVs are meant for personal use only. Reselling or exchanging the SRVs for cash is strictly not allowed. STB conducts regular checks to ensure the SRVs are used for their intended purposes and will not hesitate to take action against businesses or individuals that abuse the SRV scheme.

SRV bookings can only be made through the five authorised partners’ platforms¹. Individuals who need help with digital transactions can obtain assistance at 34 Community Clubs/Centres located around Singapore and selected malls, attractions and Singpost locations. For full list of physical booking locations, please refer to Annex A.

Members of the public are also reminded not to share their Singpass login information and One-Time Password (OTP) with anyone to safeguard themselves from scams and fraud.

Citizens can report incidents of abuse of the SRV scheme at ethics@stb.gov.sg or call the SRV hotline at 1800-2828-228 (8am to 10pm daily).

Annex A – List of physical booking counters for SRV

¹Changi Recommends, GlobalTix, Klook, Traveloka, Trip.com.

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About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.