Namaste Enriching Journeys well wishers.
We hope you are well as our respective governments take all possible action to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
It is normal and natural to feel overwhelmed, scared and stressed under the circumstances. Today we are writing to you just to make sure you and your loved ones are okay.
We cannot be more thankful to all our valued business associates for the support you have shown over the years, trusting us to the care of your valued guests while on the ground here in India and different parts of the Subcontinent. You have put your faith in us, accommodating and trusting our suggestions on how your guests would get the most out of their travels.
In these trying times you have equally put your welfare of your guests in our hands, trusting us to make sure that they were able to reach home as soon as humanly possible, and at very short notice. Our last few guests on the ground will be back home later this evening. Though the end of their journey came earlier than expected the decision to cut short travel here in India was the sensible and only option. You have all been so patient and accommodation while we on the ground made the necessary arrangements to get your guests home safe and sound.
While it is still too early to estimate the health impact on the world over the long term, one thing is certain will be the huge economic impact on the tourism industry all over the world It is estimated that over 50 million people worldwide directly or indirectly earn their livelihoods from the travel industry.
For these guests who had their travel curtailed we are working hard to get necessary refunds from the relevant hotels and all unutilized transport, guiding and excursions will be refunded. As of now we are still awaiting government clarification on the refund on airline, train and wildlife safaris. Please bear with us on this. However we do also encourage all guests to contact their relevant travel insurance companies about refunds.
For bookings for the remainder of this season that have been cancelled we are requesting, where the guest is willing, that bookings not be cancelled but be rebooked for a later date. This will help all of us in the travel industry weather the storm. With regards to the airline, rail and jeep safaris we are again in discussion with the relevant bodies about refunds for this, and again we would request anyone wanting to cancel to also speak to their travel insurance companies.
We have no way of knowing how long this pandemic will last, but be assured that we will keep you informed as an when there are significant changes. We are thrilled that we have received some enquiries for 2021 and we remain positive that by working together we can overcome this unprecedented emergency. As a global community, we will bounce back in no time. Once again, thank you for your patronage.
Finally, friends, we care about you deeply, you and your wonderful guests have been an important part of our journey, helping us create a spectacular India. Without you and your guests, the India would not be as beautiful and our journey through life would be not as interesting, colourful and rewarding. Our thoughts go out to all those affected directly or indirectly. Please take care of yourselves, keep safe, keep healthy, and stay strong and with hope the pandemic will be over soon.
Warmly, Alok