Discover Egypt has received a positive response from travel agents after it released news on repatriations, refunds and a social media campaign to encourage people to explore Egypt online while travel restrictions are in place.
The tour operator had 72 customers in Egypt when the borders closed on March 16 but were able to get everyone home within 48 hours. Philip Breckner, commercial director of Discover Egypt said in a statement: "Not only did this fulfil a legal obligation but also a moral one and keeping in line with our code of conduct as tour operator members of ABTA and AITO."
In regard to customers whose holidays have been cancelled, Discover Egypt asked customers if they would like to to transfer at the same price to an alternative holiday in 2020 or 2021 or take a full cash refund.
"This policy follows the law brought about by the European Package Travel Regulation 2018 and we continue to adhere to this," Mr Breckner said.
Additionally, local staff and guides who are currently without work are still receiving all or part of their salaries while they wait for the return of tourists to Egypt.
Among the agents who responded to Discover Egypt's update was Phil Hindle of The Personal Travel Agents. He said, "Well done, Philip. Glad to hear you are doing the right thing and thinking positively about the future."
Elaine Ferry of Elaine's Travel said that Discover Egypt was on her "preferred list".
"Not many operators are adhering to Package Tour Regulations, which then makes it difficult for us agents to deal on the frontline with clients who want their monies back," said Ms Ferry. "I must admit to safeguard our commission and client, we are trying where possible to re-book for next year so I am glad [Discover Egypt has their] holidays up and running."
James Hill of GoRiver Cruise said the update was "excellent", and Natalie Gosher, a Travel Counsellors agent said the links Discover Egypt provided to virtual tours are "fab".
Here is the statement from Discover Egypt: http://www.discoveregypt.co.uk/index/news/id/103/permaName/egypt-from-home
Image credit: Prashanth Raghavan/Flickr
