The state’s consumer watchdog has issued a public warning notice against Vasilios Koutropoulos, trading as Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office, also known as Olympia Express Travel Services after consumers have allegedly been forced to fork out more than they bargained for to return home from overseas.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, George Kamencak, is asking consumers to be wary when booking holidays and to check their existing travel plans after Consumer and Business Services (CBS) received complaints from a range of customers that Vasilios Koutropoulos, trading as Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office, also known as Olympia Express Travel Services has allegedly accepted payment for services but failed to deliver.
“At least four people claim they paid for their holidays to Greece in full before leaving Australia, but were shocked to discover when embarking on their way home that their return ticket was either not booked or not paid for,” Mr Kamencak said.
“Accepting payments and failing to supply all the services within a reasonable time frame may breach the Australian Consumer Law.”
“Of the complaints received by CBS, consumers have allegedly been forced to pay for extra accommodation overseas or pay between $2,000 and $5,825 in addition to their original travel costs to get home from Greece.”
The Acting Commissioner has warned the public about the alleged conduct due to having reasonable grounds to suspect that Vasilios Koutropoulos, trading as Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office, also known as Olympia Express Travel Services is in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Olympia Express Travel Services is located in Morphett Street in Adelaide.
“As a result of this alleged conduct, it is believed one or more persons have suffered, or is likely to suffer detriment and financial loss and on this basis I have issued a formal public warning notice.
“CBS has serious concerns about such practices and will continue to investigate and take strong action to protect South Australian consumers from such traders.
“This is a very disappointing situation for the consumers whose dream holidays were ruined by having no choice but to pay additional money to return home.
“Breaches of section 158(7) of the Australian Consumer Law can attract significant criminal and civil penalties of up to $220,000 per contravention for individuals, and up to $1,100,000 for companies.”
If anyone has concerns about their travel plans or their dealings with Vasilios Koutropoulos or with Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office or with Olympia Express Travel Services they should contact CBS on 131 882.
