Tour operator Natalie Tours will pay tourists compensation upon request and will also provide unsold services next summer, company CEO Vladimir Vorobyov told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Interfax reports.
"Compensation payments will depend on the instrument tourists use. The fastest way is if tourists collect their issued tickets, then at least a third of the tour cost is in their pockets. Further work will be carried out in collaboration with travel agencies. We, in agreement with leading travel chains, will provide Natalie Tours with commitments for unsold services to allow tourists to use them next summer. Those who want a refund for their trip will be able to do so," he explained.
According to V. Vorobyov, this is the first time the tour operator has encountered such a situation in 25 years of operation, so its primary goal is to restore sales so the company can generate cash flow to pay compensation. The second priority is to alleviate tension and conflict, which negatively impact both tourists and the company.
On Wednesday, V. Vorobyov announced the cancellation of all confirmed tours.
It was previously reported that hoteliers are refusing to accommodate the tour operator's clients in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, and other countries because Natalie Tours has failed to transfer funds for these tourists.
On Monday, V. Vorobyov called on agencies working with Natalie Tours to support their partner in this difficult situation, urging them to be "understanding and patient." He stated that he is trying to minimize the inconvenience for the company's clients by finding new host partners to replace those who refused to work with the tour operator due to non-payment.
Natalie Tours cancelled charter flights to four countries—Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey—as of June 30, citing a need to reduce costs from flying under-loaded aircraft due to declining charter demand.
Source: trn-news.ru