Tavia Thomas, owner of Destiny Travel NY, was arrested and charged on Jan. 6 with multiple counts of grand larceny and scheme to defraud tied to alleged travel-booking scams in 2024. Police say victims paid thousands for a nonexistent Royal Caribbean cruise, an unbooked ALG Vacations wedding venue and hotel accommodations in the Dominican Republic that were never secured or refunded. Thomas pleaded not guilty at arraignment and is due back in court; the Nassau County Police Department continues to investigate. Online reviews and the Better Business Bureau cite similar customer complaints.
New York Travel Agent Arrested Over Alleged Scam Selling Nonexistent Cruises, Pocketing Tens Of Thousands
Nassau County Police Department; GettyTavia Thomas; stock image of a cruise ship
Tavia Thomas, 47, the owner of Destiny Travel NY, was arrested on Jan. 6 and charged in connection with multiple alleged travel-booking scams that authorities say date to 2024. The Nassau County Police Department says Thomas faces several felony counts, including grand larceny and scheme to defraud.
Nassau County Police DepartmentTavia Thomas
Details Of The Allegations
According to a police release, investigators reported several incidents in which clients paid Thomas for travel and event bookings that were never secured:
GettyStock image of a cruise ship
- Royal Caribbean Cruise (July 2024): Nine customers allegedly paid a total of $35,753.98 for cruise tickets. When the travelers arrived at the Bayonne, N.J., port, staff told them the tickets were for a cruise that did not exist.
- Destination Wedding (July 2024): Two people reportedly paid $5,000.00 for a destination wedding at an ALG Vacations resort. Police say the venues were never reserved and refunds were not issued. Additional members of the wedding party also allegedly paid and did not receive refunds.
- Dominican Republic Group Trip (September 2024): One customer says she paid $10,034.16 to book accommodations for herself and about 50 family members; police allege the accommodations were never paid for and no refunds were provided.
Legal Proceedings
Thomas was arraigned on Jan. 6 in the First District Court of Hempstead, N.Y. Media reports indicate she pleaded not guilty; she was scheduled to return to court on Jan. 8. The Nassau County Police Department continues to investigate. The department’s release did not provide details about bond or restitution.
GettyStock image of a drink on a cruise ship
Agency Background And Consumer Complaints
Destiny Travel NY’s website states the agency was founded in 2016 and markets luxury and destination travel to locations such as the Maldives, French Polynesia, Croatia, Italy and Vietnam. The site also lists endorsements or certifications from groups including the American Society of Travel Advisors, Sandals Resorts and Disney Resorts.
However, online customer reviews on Google and The Knot include complaints alleging missed bookings and failure to refund payments. The Better Business Bureau has given Destiny Travel NY an F rating, citing "failure to respond to 3 complaint(s) filed" against the business.
The allegations remain allegations. No conviction has been reported. Authorities and the courts will determine the outcome as the legal process continues.
Help us improve.
