Asia’s Travel Advisors Caught in the Middle of Cancellation Quandary
Skift Take
The coronavirus crisis accentuates the value of travel advisors as much as it highlights their plight as go-betweens in the tourism sector. But a bigger question looms: Will these travel intermediaries in Asia survive the onslaught of this latest crisis?
It’s an extremely daunting time to be a travel advisor right now. Not only are travel advisors in Asia experiencing a massive loss of revenue as tour bookings dry up, they are also saddled with the onerous task of seeking refunds and compensation for their clients following an unprecedented cancellation surge in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Amid spiraling concerns over the global health crisis as governments around the world put up travel advisories and restrictions, travel advisors say it is understandable that customers have deep reservations about traveling and would want to cancel or defer their bookings.
In most cases of paid trips yet to take place, travel agents said deferment of travel is the best course of action for their clients, in view of the uncertain and rapidly evolving situations as the coronavirus crisis drags on.
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