Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 30 October 2002

Travel Central closes its doors.

Travel Central that has offices in Booragoon, Cannington, Karrinyup, Rockingham, Whitfords and Clarkson has been placed in the hands of Administrators Chartered Accountants Sims Lockwood in Melbourne and will cease trading today at midday.

Travel Central staff in co-operation with Consumer Protection will place notices on the doors of their offices advising consumers of the closure and how to contact the Department for assistance if required.

The Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said "anyone that has paid Travel Central deposits or is awaiting tickets should contact Consumer Protection without delay so we can advise them of the various options open to them.

Once we have communicated with the Administrators and the financial situation of the company is better known, consumers may receive refunds on booking fees and other payments.

In addition, consumers who have paid using credit cards may be able to arrange charge backs for those amounts with their bank or financial institution.

The Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) exists to protect consumers from situations such as travel agents closing, and anyone who has made deposits or paid for travel services to this company can contact the Fund for assistance once all other avenues of recovering their money have been followed".

As it may be difficult for customers to contact the trader after midday today, consumers should telephone 1300 30 40 54 for advice on how to proceed.

Claim forms can be downloaded from the TCF website at www.tcf.org.au <http://www.tcf.org.au> or requested by telephoning 1800 021 024.