Travel agents urged to cancel Bangkok tours
Since the Security Bureau has issued a Red Outbound Travel Alert in relation to Thailand (Bangkok), and the safety of travellers always takes priority, the TIC suggested that travel agents cancel package tours which depart for Bangkok between 11 and 17 March 2010 (both days inclusive). Specific arrangements will be made in accordance with Directive No. 143, which concerns cancellation of package tours for reasons beyond control. In other words, participants of such tours may choose either:
| (1) | to be refunded all the money paid (which includes tour fares, Airport Passenger Departure Tax, etc but excludes visa charges) after the deduction of a service fee (for tours whose duration is five days or fewer, the service fee must not be more than HK$150; and for tours lasting for six or more days, it must not be more than HK$300); |
| OR | |
| (2) | to retain all the tour fares paid for six months without needing to pay any service fee. |
As for air-plus-hotel packages which depart for Bangkok between 11 and 17 March 2010 (both days inclusive), the travellers may contact their travel agents to work out a solution. If the travellers decide not to depart as planned, the travel agents will help them claim a refund from the service providers in order to minimise their losses.
As regards package tours which depart for Bangkok after 18 March 2010, the TIC will keep in close contact with the Security Bureau and disseminate latest news through the media and its website at www.tichk.org.