SA travellers opt for Thailand instead of Bali

THOUSANDS of tourists were
left stranded in Denpasar
International Airport in Bali at
the end of November with the
airport closed over fears of an
‘imminent’ second eruption of
Mount Agung.
Although the airport has
reopened, Sally George,
market development manager
for Singapore Airlines, says
the situation in Bali is still
considered ‘fluid’ and the
airline has cancelled a
number of flights to the island
until December 14. She
says South African travellers
have now started opting for
Thailand instead.
Kim Taylor, customer
care team leader for Flight
Centre, says the agency has
received some cancellation
requests, however these have
been minimal. Kim says the
majority of customers have
continued with their trip and
many who are still due to
travel during December have
opted to wait it out and see
what their options are closer
to their departure date.
Travellers will be covered
by their travel insurance if
flights are cancelled as a
result of weather conditions,
says Simmy Micheli,
manager sales and
marketing for TIC. If prepaid
accommodation is
damaged to an uninhabitable
extent because of weather
conditions, TIC will also
reimburse the nonrefundable
portions of
travel and accommodation
arrangements.
Simmy says the cover kicks
in if flights are cancelled
by the airline as a result
of the weather conditions.
“Disinclination to travel is not
covered on a travel insurance
policy.”
Meanwhile, the FCO has
warned travellers to be
prepared for being delayed in
Bali. They should also ensure
that they have enough time
left on their visa. Further
advice includes bringing
enough medical supplies in
case of delays as well as
bringing a face mask, as
tourist areas of Bali may
experience volcanic ash
clouds, which can cause
respiratory problems.
Indonesia's National
Disaster Management
Authority said on December 5
that Bali was still safe to visit,
even though further eruptions
by Mount Agung remain
unpredictable.