SATSA has issued a note to suppliers following the closure of Thomas Cook, in which it urges the industry to remain calm and to collaborate with their DMCs.
“With the week’s closure of Thomas Cook comes concerns from suppliers that their bookings will be cancelled or impacted negatively,” the note reads. “It is understandable that following a closure of this magnitude, there will be concerns and confusion in the market about the impact to all stakeholders.”
SATSA appealed to suppliers not to react by auto-cancelling bookings without consultation. “In most cases, the contract is between the supplier and the DMC, not with Thomas Cook and, as such, suppliers have a contractual obligation to the DMC. Therefore, they are not at risk and it remains business as usual.”
SATSA also advised suppliers to remember that guests booked through other tour operators will also be affected if their package includes flights on the now suspended Thomas Cook Airlines service.
“Please liaise and support each other as the industry globally comes to grips with the magnitude of what has happened and tries to resolve the impact to travellers,” the note continues. “With collaboration, we can ensure that the experience of guests headed to South Africa is a pleasant and painless one, and guarantee that Destination South Africa’s brand remains intact.”
