CONSUMER & BUSINESS ADVICE
Media Releases
24 December 2015

The state’s consumer watchdog is taking legal action against an Adelaide travel agent, after consumers were allegedly forced to fork out more than they bargained for to return home from overseas.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Dini Soulio, says a public warning was issued last month against Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office, also known as Olympia Express Travel Services, after they allegedly accepted payment for services but failed to deliver.

“We had numerous complaints from people who claimed to have paid for overseas holidays in full before leaving Australia, but later discovered that their ticket was either not booked or not paid for,” Mr Soulio said.

Yesterday, in the Supreme Court of South Australia, CBS lodged action against Vasilios Koutropolous, trading as Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office and Mary Boufkas, seeking a range of orders including declarations, penalties, injunctions and redress for consumers.

“In our action, we allege that during 2015, Mr Koutropolous engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct, made false or misleading representations about contractual rights and wrongly accepted money for international travel services in breach of Australian Consumer Law (SA).

“We further allege that Ms Boufkas was directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to Mr Koutropolous’ contraventions.

Today, the Supreme Court granted interim orders, by consent, ensuring the alleged conduct does not continue and to ensure redress is provided to a number of consumers. The orders were made pending final determination of the matter.

“We will be seeking final relief that would ensure that the defendants comply with Australian Consumer Law, that they pay penalties for alleged breaches of legislation, and that they pay compensation to travellers adversely affected by their behaviour.”

If anyone has concerns about their travel plans or their dealings with Olympia Express Tourist and Travel Office or with Olympia Express Travel Services, they should contact CBS on 131 882.