Due to the impact of Typhoon No. 3 Yagi, 4 airports had to close, hundreds of flights were canceled and operating hours were adjusted. Tourism activities were also paralyzed.
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu - General Director of Vitamin Tours & Event said that due to the impact of the storm, this weekend (September 6-8), in the Northern markets such as Ha Long, Sa Pa, Ha Giang..., tourists all reserved or canceled tours, hotel rooms and services.
Mr. Hieu shared: "Before the storm arrived, we proactively updated the weather situation and provided options to tourists. This is a case of force majeure, both the travel agency, service provider and customer must happily accept. All policies of refunding, canceling, or postponing rooms and tours are implemented according to State regulations."
Mr. Bui Thanh Tu - Marketing Director of Best Price said that the company had many groups of about 100 foreign guests planning to travel to Ha Long on September 7-8. However, because of storm No. 3 Yagi, all schedules were canceled.
"In this case, we have to renegotiate with the tour groups. If the guests stay in Vietnam for a long time, arrive after the storm and still want to travel to Ha Long, we can change the departure date. However, this also depends on the cruise service and hotel room availability.
In case customers return early and cannot go to Ha Long, we are forced to compensate according to the contract and the law, and do not force customers to participate in the trip," said Mr. Tu.
Mr. Tu added that currently, foreign tourist groups are present in Vietnam, but due to bad weather, they cannot visit or travel conveniently.
"Previously, when storm No. 2 made landfall along the coast of Quang Ninh - Hai Phong, we directed Western tourists to Ha Long to other destinations such as city tours in Hanoi, Ninh Binh... But this time, the storm made landfall over a large area so tourists had no choice," Mr. Tu shared.
Besides, travel businesses and airline ticket agents have also struggled with flight cancellations and delays in recent days.
Mr. Bui Thanh Tu said: "Every day, our staff continuously receives calls from customers asking about flight cancellations and delays due to storms. The company follows the government's telegrams and support letters from airlines. Customers can cancel or delay flights according to regulations, because this is a case of force majeure."
According to Mr. Tu, if flights, tours, or booking services, entertainment, accommodation, etc. are canceled, the cost must be fully refunded. This is a loss for businesses, service providers, and an unpleasant experience for customers.
"First, we affirm that in this case, we must put the safety of customers first, not disregard profits. Therefore, this is something no one wants, and customers also understand and actively cooperate," said Mr. Tu.
Regarding foreign tours and routes by air, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu informed that on September 7, the company had a group of customers traveling to Hainan Island (China) whose flight had to be postponed to the morning of September 8. The unit proactively notified customers in advance to grasp information and proactively arrange their schedules.
Meanwhile, a group of tourists from Guizhou (China) returning to Vietnam by air on September 6 had to change their itinerary due to the airport closure. Instead, the units coordinated and negotiated with the tourists to change the plan to take the train to Nanning, then go through the Lang Son border gate by road.
"All plans are implemented quickly to ensure the safety of tourists and minimize damage. Any additional costs will be announced after the group returns safely to Vietnam and discussed with the Chinese land tour," said Mr. Hieu.
