Inside the 'Tour2000' Headquarters Office
Text Message Announced 'Service Suspension' on the 31st of Last Month... Preparing for a Class Action Lawsuit
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The travel agency ‘Tour2000’ abruptly suspended its services and became unreachable starting from the 31st of last month, leaving consumers who planned their trips through this agency stranded. Over 1,000 victims are anxiously worried about whether they will be able to get refunds.
At around 10 a.m. on the 2nd, the headquarters office of the travel company 'Tour2000' in Jung-gu, Seoul. Although the business hours start at 9 a.m., the office lights were off. Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@
At around 10 a.m. on the 2nd, the headquarters office of the travel agency ‘Tour2000’ located in Jung-gu, Seoul, was dark with the door firmly closed. Around 7 p.m. on the 31st of last month, Tour2000 sent a message to purchasers of travel packages stating, “Due to circumstances, it is difficult to proceed with all travel package events, so a blanket cancellation will be processed,” and ceased operations from the 1st.
Consumers who received the sudden notice were left bewildered. The message contained no information regarding refunds. Some, feeling anxious, even visited the headquarters in person. Mr. A, an elderly victim met in front of the office, said he paid a total of 4,798,000 KRW including a deposit through the Tour2000 website last month for a trip to Egypt with his wife. He mentioned that the remaining balance of 4,198,000 KRW was paid the day before Tour2000 stopped its services. Mr. A lamented, “From a consumer’s perspective, it can only be seen as a planned scam,” adding, “I came here because they don’t answer the phone, and it’s frustrating.”
It is difficult to accurately estimate the total damage amount as contact with the headquarters has not been established. According to the number of reservations displayed on the Tour2000 website for each product, there are 1,042 customers who booked high-priced travel packages exceeding 1 million KRW, including trips to Europe and Egypt. Even if these customers only lost their deposits (300,000 KRW), the total damage would exceed 300 million KRW. In an open chat room for victims, the amounts specified by 45 people total 147.86 million KRW. Considering that these 45 people represent less than one-twentieth of the 1,042 high-priced package customers, the total damage is expected to exceed several billion KRW. Among them, there are many cases like Mr. A’s where the full amount of the package was not refunded.
At around 6:52 PM on the 31st of last month, a notification text was sent to consumers. Photo by Informant Provided
Consumers who paid for travel packages by credit card have at least been able to get refunds through their card companies. Those who transferred money directly to Tour2000’s account have not yet received refunds due to lack of contact with the headquarters. Mr. Kim (60), who visited the headquarters, said, “I paid for a travel package to Spain scheduled for next Wednesday,” adding, “I got a refund for the card payment, but I have not yet received a refund for the deposit paid in cash.” Mr. Park also said, “Seven people paid deposits of 300,000 KRW each to make reservations, but we have not gotten any refunds yet,” expressing his frustration, “I took the lead in planning the trip, so I feel sorry for my friends who are going with me.”
The only compensation route for victims, the Korea Association of Travel Agents’ insurance, is also in a difficult situation. The association compensates victims within the insured amount if they suffer damages due to contract breaches by travel agencies that have subscribed to the insurance but cannot receive compensation otherwise. However, the insurance amount Tour2000 subscribed to is 265 million KRW, which appears insufficient to cover all damages. Also, the insurance can only be activated if the travel agency files a business closure report, but no such report has been filed with Jung-gu Office yet.
Some victims are preparing lawsuits by opening open chat rooms to recruit others for collective lawsuits. The chat room administrator, Mr. Jeong, said, “We are continuously recruiting victims,” and “So far, six victims have reported their damages.” Within two days of the incident, 100 people had gathered in this open chat room.
It is not only the victims who are frustrated. Tour2000’s travel packages were also sold through GS Home Shopping, 11st, Gmarket, and Naver, so inquiries have been made to related partner companies and payment platforms, but these companies also cannot contact Tour2000 representatives. A representative of a company that sold travel packages on home shopping in cooperation with Tour2000 said, “To process refunds, we need to receive the list of purchasers, but there has been no contact at all,” explaining why they visited the headquarters. Payment platforms have taken measures such as banning the sale of Tour2000 travel packages and canceling reservations.
Repeated attempts to contact Tour2000 headquarters and its representatives to hear their side were unsuccessful. The website is still open, allowing reservation applications, and no notices or banners regarding the service suspension have been posted.
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