Very few cancellations, say travel agencies

WHILE most Perak folk have voiced their fear of visiting Thailand due to the political unrest in the country, those who have made travel plans seem to be going ahead with their trips.A check by The Star with the city’s tour and travel agencies found that cancellations were far and few.
 
Keris Travel and Tour Sdn Bhd accountant Ng Wi Soo said his company had not received cancellations to date.“I think people have gradually accepted that incidents such as bombings and political upheavals will happen in any country at any time.

“But I foresee business being a tad slower in the first few weeks following the blasts because people may need some time to wait for things to settle down before placing new bookings,” he said, stressing that the impact would only be temporary. Ng said it was difficult to advise people against travelling to Thailand.

“We ourselves are unsure of the real situation there and how things will turn out. “But one thing is for sure, if the situation worsens then our Government will issue a public warning, especially to travel agencies to cease selling travel packages to Thailand,” he said, adding that his company was fortunate as it was not taking any tour groups to Haadyai at the time of the recent bombing.
 
Agreeing with Ng, Parlo Tours Sdn Bhd general manager Eleen Yee said it was ultimately up to the customer whether or not to go on with their travel plans. “As people working in the travel industry, we are not in a position to tell them not to travel to a country where the situation is dangerous,” she said.
 
Ipoh Overland Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd manager Gary Lai said only a few people had called to postpone their trip following the unfortunate incident. 
“Most of the customers travelling with us to Haadyai are not first-timers. 

“Perhaps the political situation there and the bombings were a common cause, but mostly I think they are willing to travel because everything is extremely affordable over there,” he said.
 
Lai added that he only offered trips to Haadyai once every fortnight as most people chose to drive there instead. At Golden Century Tour and Travel Sdn Bhd, its manager Jimmy Goh said: “There have been many similar incidents in Thailand reported throughout the past few years, “However, I have not received any cancellations. 

“I only offer trips to Haadyai during peak seasons such as school holidays and long weekends. “I’m confident business will still go on as usual during the May-June school holidays,” he said.