Kumuka claims to top $2 million

Kumuka claims to top $2 million
By admin


The demise of adventure travel firm Kumuka has been branded the “largest collapse in Australia since Ansett”, with the Travel Compensation Fund expecting claims to exceed $2 million.

TCF chief executive Glen Wells said the scheme had been inundated by an “avalanche” of enquiries since the firm went into administration just over a week ago.

“We’ve had in excess of 270 claims worth in excess of $1.3 million,” he told Travel Today. “It’s expected to go to around $2.1 million.”

It has already paid around $300,000 in claims, but Wells said the TCF still has a considerable task ahead of it as calls continue to flood in.

“It’s just massive,” he said. “It’s the largest collapse on Australia since Ansett.”

Priority is being given to those travelling imminently or already overseas, with Wells reporting phone calls from people stranded in Lima and from parents concerned about their children overseas.

Although a number of wholesalers have stepped in to help affected travellers, little can be done until the TCF has processed their claims.

“Until consumers get refunded, it’s difficult for them to rebook,” he said.

Meanwhile, with around 40 claims a day being received, Wells said the TCF had “thrown resources” at the issue to ensure claims are swiftly processed.

A creditors meeting will be held today.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

adventure travel

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