PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
March is finally here, that is a good sign that Spring is close by and that St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Along with March Madness for those Basketball fans out there.
What an amazing presentation last month by our cruiseline suppliers on Round 2 of our February Cruise Nite. There were so many updates that will help all of us during Wave season. Thank you one and all.
Now lets get ready for Marcia Sinclair and company from the Jamaica Tourist Board to be making their presentation in a few days. I always look forward to the updates on this most popular island nation. They often show me what I am missing and I get a stronger urge to travel, either by land or sea. I just LOVE our valued suppliers.
The winter weather has been good to us all however; I am very concerned, as I am sure all of you are regarding the Coronavirus. It appears that this virus is spreading throughout the world and it is greatly affecting our Travel Business. The reports of deaths in Asia and Europe is crushing many travel plans. Our clients are looking to our expertise to reassure them about whether to travel or to postpone their trips or to cancel outright. Cancellation penalties from numerous suppliers keep evolving as each day arrives. By the time you read this letter, I’m sure things will have changed even further. We are all dealing with the various insurance policies that are offering limited if any coverage for cancelled trips. Unless our clients booked the “Cancel for any reason” option (when available), most will find their insurance does not cover them for fear of travel. It may take a while for clients to regain the confidence to book new travel especially to the regions currently hard hit by the virus. Let us all take some time, take a deep breath and hope that this virus is quickly contained and eradicated. I hope this passes as quickly as it arrive.
On a less somber note, I would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Stay safe…
