Advice Archives

Travel agency in Little India suspended for failing to submit financial statements

SINGAPORE: A travel agency in Little India has had its licence suspended after it failed to submit its audited statement of accounts on time, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Thursday (Jan 25).

Citi Travels & Tours was required to submit the documents within six months after the close of the financial year but did not do so. STB said it also found that the travel agent had “failed to fulfil its obligations to a customer”.

The suspension took effect on Jan 10. This means until further notice, Citi Travels & Tours will not be allowed to accept new travel bookings, but it must fulfil its existing obligations to customers, STB said.

“A failure to submit the audited accounts within the stipulated deadline raises concern over the company’s ability to meet the minimum financial requirements as mandated under the Travel Agents Regulations,” said the Tourism Board.

“STB takes a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry.”

Source: Channel News Asia
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/travel-agency-in-little-india-suspended-for-failing-to-submit-9895540

———————————————————————————————————————————————————-

What happens when a Company unable to meet the filing deadline?
ACE Financial Accounting, your reliable business partner.

Visit our website for more details: www.acefinancial.com.sg

IGD forecasts that Singapore’s online grocery market will triple in growth over the next three years, from US$91 million to US$350 million by 2020.

At the end of 2016, IGD valued online grocery to have a 1.2% share of the Singaporean grocery market. Reflecting rapidly changing shopper habits in the region and increased investment in the online channel from retailers and suppliers, IGD is further forecasting online to take a 4% share of Singapore’s grocery market by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate of 39%.

“Shopper habits are changing rapidly in South East Asia and in a compact city such as Singapore, with its relatively affluent population, big expat community and high penetration of internet and smartphone usage, there are huge opportunities for online grocery to meet these evolving needs. To make the most of this opportunity, retailers and suppliers must work together to ensure they really understand online shoppers and can tailor experiences and products to suit their personal preferences,” said Nick Miles, IGD’s Head of Asia-Pacific.

He noted that retailers are looking to improve the overall online experience, by getting the basics of search functions, favorites, images and information right for shoppers. At the same time, they’ll be aiming to make delivery options as convenient as possible, whether that’s through shorter timespan delivery slots or greater choice of click and collect points throughout the region.

According to IGD 80% of shoppers cite convenience as their number-one reason for shopping online. He expects Singaporean shoppers to have very similar preference when heading online for their groceries.

“We also expect online grocery retailers in the region to encourage shopper loyalty through personalized offers and products, plus subscription models and delivery saver passes. On top of that, shoppers in the region are increasingly connected via mobile, so ensuring a seamless shopping experience no matter what device they are using will be critical. Coupled with an increased focus on using innovations such as voice-activated technology, virtual reality and robotics, we predict huge opportunities for those retailers and suppliers who really invest in making the online grocery channel work for them in Singapore,” he added.

Sourced: Published by Questex Asia on 28 Aug 2017