Aviation: Travel companies offer relief for bookings to Sri Lanka in wake of Colombo blasts

Colombo blasts: Sri Lanka is a top leisure destination for Indian tourists traveling abroad, but in wake of the serial blasts there a huge number of bookings have been cancelled. However,  travel companies have offered relief and now come forward with their special offerings for customers caught in Colombo and those who had expected to travel to Colombo.

In his reaction, Mahesh Iyer, Executive Director and CEO at Thomas Cook India, highlighted his concern by saying, "We unequivocally condemn the acts of violence in Sri Lanka and stand in solidarity with its government and people. Our customers currently on tour in Sri Lanka are all safe and accounted for and we are in constant touch to reassure them and ensure their safe passage to India. Our central Tour Management team is in continuous coordination with our offices on the ground, our partners, local authorities and tour managers in Sri Lanka to closely monitor the ongoing situation and will keep our customers informed with regular updates." 

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He added that for future departures, and requests from booked customers, Thomas Cook will offer best options available; to either defer their travel or provide best alternate destinations basis availability, visas/documentation and pricing. "For our customers who prefer to cancel, we will provide a travel voucher, thus enabling them to reschedule at a time of their choosing."

Sri Lanka is a favoured destination for Leisure, Business and MICE, given its diversity of locales, experiences, culture-cuisine and its warm people. Additionally, convenient access of a short haul flight and an easy visa regime have catalysed growth from India; especially for last minute travelers," explained Iyer. 

Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head at Leisure, SOTC Travel said “The safety of our customers remains SOTC's foremost priority. We are monitoring the situation and are in touch with our customers and partners to ensure their safety. In case of the future bookings, the same would be taken in the best interest of our customers."