IT seems In-Vogue Tours
has ceased operations –
but no one can confirm the
situation as the tour operator
has disappeared. Meanwhile,
Asata has suspended its
membership.
Since the beginning of May,
the tour operator has been
unreachable. Calls to the
wholesaler ring once and
then disconnect; emails go
unanswered and there is no
one at the office address.
A reliable source told TNW
that although staff had not
been paid, the operator seems
not to have left travellers or
agents out of pocket as it
looks as though the business
was wound down over the last
few months.
Iata told TNW it is
investigating the situation.
“Iata will take the necessary
steps as stipulated in the
resolutions to limit any
potential additional exposure
caused by In-Vogue should it
be confirmed that the operator
has ceased operations,” says
area manager for Southern
Africa, Janaurieu D’SA. “The
business does have an
outstanding balance on its
BSP relating to its billings
in the second half of April.
Remittance for settlement is
later this month.”
Meanwhile, Asata has
suspended the membership
of In-Vogue Tours. The
association said concerns
were raised about the tour
operator’s financial standing
ten days ago. “The secretariat
contacted the offices of
In-Vogue and was told that
they were unsure as to
the future of the business.
Asata immediately requested
that interim financials be
submitted, to which we have
not had a response. Efforts
have been made to contact
the directors but we have not
been successful so far,” said
Otto de Vries, ceo of Asata.
The operator could not
be reached by TNW for
comment.
Turnaround expected for SAA’s
