Photo: quangninh.gov.vn

Since COVID-19 outbreaks were reported in Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, and Ha Noi, Le Minh Nga of HCM City has been worried because she had booked a tour of Ha Long Bay for her family during Tet. Nga said, luckily, the travel company helped her change her tour to a safer itinerary. ‘Half a month ago, I booked a tour to Ha Long for my family. But now we have to cancel the tour due to the epidemic. The travel company has helped us. We’ll go to Can Tho instead, because Can Tho is safer,’ said Nga.

Deputy General Director of Vietravel Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang says as soon as the epidemic broke out again, Vietravel contacted customers who had booked tours for northern or central highlands provinces to inform that the tours had been canceled and advised them to reschedule their tour or pick a new, safer destination. The company will also refund customers who want to cancel their tour, says Hoang. ‘Vietravel will maintain the booking of customers for one year to allow them to change their tour at any time during that year. If they decide to cancel, we will refund them within 60 to 90 days. If a customer wants to change their destination, we will refund any extra.’

Thi Quốc Duy of Ben Thanh Tourist said the company will provide maximum support for customers who have booked tours to epidemic-hit areas. ‘Ben Thanh Tourist has canceled or postponed tours to affected provinces like Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Hai Duong. We are contacting our customers to help them make an alternative plan. Those who want to cancel their tour will receive a total refund,’ said Duy.

The past year has been really difficult for the tourism sector. But travel companies are coping with the situation and doing their best to help their customers aboid the risk of COVID-19.