HoT Informs Customers of New "Pay Or Stay" Laws

House of Travel Informs Customers of New "Pay Or Stay" Legislation

House of Travel believes new legislation aimed at stopping fine evaders, which comes into action tomorrow and could stop people leaving the country, will not have registered with many people planning overseas travel.

As of 28 September 2006, all fines evaders who owe more than $5,000 in court imposed fines and have an active Warrant to Arrest, and anyone owing any amount of reparation with a Warrant to Arrest, may be stopped after passing through Customs at any New Zealand international airport.

House of Travel retail director Brent Thomas says although it will probably affect only a very small percentage of people, customers should be aware of the changes to avoid any disappointment.

"While House of Travel is not expecting to be inundated with calls from customers turned back, we wanted to be proactive in informing customers of the changes to ensure that anyone affected is aware of the new rules before a potentially disappointing and embarrassing situation arises at the airport. As well as including an insert detailing the changes with customer travel documents, we have also mentioned the new legislative terms in the itinerary. Although travel agents are not experts on this legislation, it is a courtesy to inform our customers."

Under the new "pay or stay" legislation, fines evaders may be stopped at the airport and prevented from travelling, with their passports confiscated. There will be opportunities to arrange full payment at the time, however.

House of Travel recommends that people planning on leaving the country who think they may be affected should visit www.payorstay.govt.nz or ring 0800 PAYORSTAY for more information.

The House of Travel Group has forecasted turnover in 2006 in excess of $700m, it has 90 retail outlets (with specialist corporate and leisure travel outlets) throughout New Zealand, its own award winning aggregated booking website www.houseoftravel.co.nz and two wholesale companies (both inbound and outbound). It employs in excess of 1,100 people and is privately owned and operated since it was established in 1987.

ENDS

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