What does the Sunshine Tours suspension mean for customers?

The agency cannot take new bookings during the suspension, which may last up to six months. Existing bookings should be supported according to licence rules and contract terms. Customers should contact the agency and relevant suppliers to confirm status, use card payments for extra protection, and keep all receipts and written confirmations.

How can I verify a travel agency’s licence in Singapore?

Use the TRUST STB license check to confirm that a travel agent is currently licensed and whether any restrictions apply. Verify the legal name and registration number match your invoice. Avoid large cash payments, and prefer card or escrow options for packages with distant travel dates or high values.

What should suppliers do to manage credit exposure now?

Shorten payment terms, cap exposure per agency, and switch risky partners to partial prepayment. Run weekly ageing reviews, escalate collections on invoices past 30 days, and confirm bookings directly with end-suppliers. Consider trade credit insurance, update KYC, and add contract clauses that allow booking freezes if regulatory filings lapse.

What are the key investor watchpoints after this suspension?

Focus on days-sales-outstanding, customer concentration, and disclosures on trade credit insurance. Listen for management updates on prepayment rates, allotment cuts, and receivable provisions. Track whether banks tighten working capital lines for mid-sized agencies, and if insurers reduce limits, as those signals often lead earnings revisions.

Global Market Insights

January 02: STB Suspends Sunshine Tours; Credit Risk for Travel

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

STB suspends travel agency is today’s key risk signal for Singapore’s travel sector. On Jan 2, the Singapore Tourism Board suspended Sunshine Tours and Travel for missing audited accounts and an updated business profile, with a ban on new bookings for up to six months. Sunshine Tours suspension highlights Singapore Tourism Board compliance as a core business risk. We explain credit impacts across suppliers, how to manage exposure, and what investors should monitor in Q1 2026.