Dealing with Corona – SATSA’s advice (for travel booking cancellations)
In light of the questions arising from members
surrounding the Coronavirus, SATSA has facilitated a discussion between leading
DMCs and the Sales Thought Leadership Forum, comprising 19 leading hotel and
lodge operators in South Africa. For more information on the Sales Thought
Leadership Forum, please click here.
These industry stakeholders have proposed a recommended position for
incremental bookings from 1 March 2020. It is critically important that
South Africa be perceived as a business-friendly destination with regards
policies and trading terms and not halt the forward book which we may do with
unfriendly booking policies. In light of this, we urge the broader
membership to adopt this position moving forward.
Cancellations:
* From unaffected areas, no change
to your existing booking policy
* From affected areas: review on a case by case basis. No refund but
booking can be deferred for 15 months
Penalties (Deposits):
* No penalty/deposit required from time of booking
until the cancellation period of the particular supplier kicks
in.
For example:
* Groups: No penalties until 90 days prior to arrival
* Individual bookings: No penalties until 45 days prior to arrival
Usual deposits will be required at time of booking to make a booking, but these
will be 100% refundable up until the cancellation period as mentioned above
applies.
The Sales Forum will revisit this position in one month’s time unless SA
becomes an affected area.
We must learn from the lessons of recent events, like the drought, and be
proactive and resolute in our messaging that South Africa is open for business.
To this, we will continue to engage our public sector partners to join us in
sending a strong message that South Africa remains open for business to the
world to that effect.
For resources you can use to assist customers with their Coronavirus queries,
please visit https://www.satsa.com/coronavirus-update/
Should you have specific questions or need clarification on anything, please do
not hesitate to email these to communications@satsa.co.za
