SINGAPORE - The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has served a notice of revocation to Sky Travel & Tours, it said on Wednesday (Dec 7).

The notice was served on Tuesday as the company "has ceased operations and is unable to fulfil its obligations towards its customers", STB said in a press release.

Sky Travel has three weeks to provide reasons why its travel agent licence should not be revoked.

After Dec 27, the revocation will take effect. Sky Travel may also appeal to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

On Monday, Sky Travel informed customers who were due to take off for a tour that night that it had closed and would stop all services immediately.

Madam Teo Ino Meo, who had already packed her bags for a Hokkaido trip, said she did not get any explanation from the company so far.

STB said it is looking into the matter and may consider taking further action against Sky Travel and its directors, if necessary.

It advised affected customers to contact Sky Travel about the status of their booking or to seek a refund.

If Sky Travel cannot be reached or fails to provide the relevant service delivery or refund, consumers with travel insurance can approach their insurance providers for help.

Those not covered by travel insurance can approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) or the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT).

"We take this opportunity to remind consumers to take precautionary measures such as purchasing travel insurance upon payment of the travel plans, and to pay by instalments instead of making full payment. The travel insurance should provide coverage for unforeseen events such as when a travel agent becomes insolvent," STB said.