Aussie travel agency collapses leaving holidaymakers out of pocket ahead of Christmas
An Aussie travel agency has gone bankrupt, leaving dozens of travelers out of pocket in the run-up to Christmas.
Syon Travels, which operates from a home in Victoria, announced in early December that it had gone bankrupt.
As many as 50 customers are believed to have lost a total of $250,000 in travel bookings.
Some customers claimed they only realized there was a problem with their flights when they arrived at the airport. 7News reported.
Others raised concerns in the run-up to their trip, with one customer pleading for information on Facebook ahead of their scheduled flight on December 8.
Customers only realized there was a problem with their flights when they arrived at the airport (file photo)
'We have booked a flight for tomorrow with the Syon travel agency. Actually, we booked this flight in July and are flying tomorrow night,” they wrote.
“But the thing is, this agent hasn't sent us the e-ticket yet. We are really stressed. I don't know what to do. If anyone has any ideas, please share them with us.”
The travel company shared the news of their collapse in a 'heartbreaking announcement'.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our company Syon Travels is currently in the liquidation process,” the message read.
'We have tried in every possible way to keep the company afloat, but we have not succeeded.'
They also asked customers to make alternative travel plans and promised to refund them.
“It breaks our hearts that so many trusting customers have been affected by our company,” the agency said in the statement.
“Despite the status of the company, we will refund all customer payments in due course.”
The announcement the company made in early December saying they were 'currently in the liquidation process'
The tour company operated from this Victorian house
As many as 50 customers are believed to have lost a total of $250,000 in travel bookings
Niranjana Chaudhary, a wayward customer, lashed out at the company.
The nurse has a family reunion in Nepal, but is now not sure whether she will make it.
“I have been working double shifts at night to spend some quality time with my family, so they are just playing with our emotions,” she said.
The day after the liquidation announcement, another post from Nani Ram Aryal, operations manager of Syon Travels, appeared on the travel website's Facebook page.
“As manager of Syon Travels, I am solely responsible for the situation that occurred in the company,” he said.
'No one but myself is responsible for creating this nightmarish situation. Please be assured that we will do our best to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.'
Syon Travels' website claims it is one of Australia's largest travel agencies, but it has never been accredited.
It is understood the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has not received notice that the company is being placed into administration.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Syon Travels for comment.