some tour operators are silly
Having worked in the travel industry for a few years, I do know a little about how they operate albeit it is a tad different now than then. Firstly I know for a fact they certainly pay more now than they used to but probably have to work harder then I did. And with the advent of booking on line and searching for that perfect trip yourself, the whole industry has changed. Whether this a good or not is up for debate. But then change is inevitable.
My recent experience was interesting to say the least.
My friend and I booked a trip to Cayo Coco, Cuba at a specific hotel that we both know and like.  We were due to leave September 19, and then Hurricane Ike roared through the country, leaving a path of destruction in it’s wake. We were waiting of course to see if the tour operator would still send people there. Part of the hotel closes every summer, in the low season for general repair, etc. From what I understand, the hotel took in tourists from other hotels during the hurricane and consequently the number of guests went from 400 to 1000 in a matter of hours. Now, I imagine they are cleaning up the mess not only from the hurricane but from the excess number of guests that they had to accommodate. Last night, two and half days before we leave, we get the OK. But they moved us to a different hotel on another cayo.
After what seemed hours on the phone, the tour operator offered us a change of date but we have to pay another $200, go to the hotel they had chosen for us or a full refund. We took the full refund and booked with another tour opreator. Got the date we wanted, the hotel we wanted and saved some money!! Now the original operator lost our business altogether all over $200. I just don’t get it.  Silly way to run a business. Will I book again with that tour operator? Doubtful.
Happy to say we are leaving next Friday armed with as much needed supplies as we can pack. I can’t wait!!
Cayo Coco Sunrise
