Australian travel company collapses a week after tours cancelled

AVG Travels Pty Ltd, an Australian-based travel company, has entered liquidation just a week after abruptly canceling numerous tours, leaving hundreds of customers stranded and out of pocket. The company’s Melbourne office was closed with a liquidation notice posted on its doors, while a growing number of affected travellers have voiced their frustration on social media, including a Facebook support group with over 860 members. Customers reported last-minute itinerary changes and cancellations, with some still awaiting refunds or alternative arrangements. Owned by a Vietnamese national residing in Melbourne, AVG Travels began as an online agency in Vietnam in 2012 before expanding to Australia in 2015 and later opening offices in Japan and the UK. The company claimed to have served more than 200,000 travellers worldwide. In a statement issued prior to its collapse, AVG Travels acknowledged operational challenges and promised to work with affected customers and partners to resolve outstanding issues and maintain service continuity. However, the liquidation has left many clients, such as Gold Coast resident Mary Tait, facing uncertainty and financial loss after paying thousands for tours that will no longer proceed. The collapse has drawn attention to AVG Travels’ troubled history, including its removal from a key Australian travel industry accreditation scheme over six years ago due to failure to meet financial and ethical standards. Industry experts warn that the liquidation highlights the risks of booking with non-accredited travel companies. Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, emphasized the importance of choosing ATIA-accredited businesses, which are regularly assessed to ensure high operational and financial standards. The situation serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to prioritize accredited providers to avoid similar disruptions and financial losses in the future.