Travel agencies struggle amid coronavirus crisis
Agencies lament airport’s ‘very long’ reopening stages
KUWAIT: As part of the gradual return to normal life in Kuwait, the second phase of the government plan allowed most businesses to reopen. Travel agencies also reopened, but cannot function like before the coronavirus pandemic due to the unclear situation of flights and tourism locally and internationally.
Sami, an employee at Almadar travel agency, said their work is hampered as international carriers haven’t uploaded their schedule of flights yet to the system. “Travel destinations are not clear yet, as most favored destinations are not open for passengers from Kuwait. Currently we are only booking for Turkey and Dubai. Europe is not open for Kuwaitis except for Britain, which requires 14 days of quarantine, so only students are flying to the UK,” he told Kuwait Times.
Only 30 percent
Flights will also be limited. “As the government set operations at the airport at only 30 percent capacity until February, the number of flights will be fewer than usual. The six-month period for each phase of the airport’s opening is very long, and I think this should be modified. Also, most people are afraid of travelling in the first place,” added Sami.
Travel agencies are safer for making bookings, especially under the current circumstances, according to Sami. “The coronavirus crisis exposed the risk of booking online through some companies that went bankrupt and customers didn’t get their money back, as these websites or online companies are based abroad. But travel agencies have financial guarantees at the bank, and in case of any complaint, this money will be frozen and the client will get refunded,” Sami explained.
Losses have been huge. “Even before the pandemic, our business was facing difficulties due to online competition. But this crisis was very tough for our industry and we are considered among the most affected businesses. Only in this complex of travel agencies, four agencies shut down completely. I also know 12 employees who were terminated, in addition to six who left the country. And some of the agencies only paid half the salaries to their staff due to the pandemic,” concluded Sami.
Limited choices
Yazan from Alostoora travel agency said travel choices are very limited presently. “As many popular destinations are not yet open for passengers from Kuwait, we only have demand for Turkey. Far East destinations are not in demand although they are open, as people are afraid of the coronavirus. Furthermore, the procedure of getting a PCR test is not clear, as some countries require it while others don’t,” he pointed out.
“Apart from tourists, we also have clients booking for their domestic helpers whose visas have expired and they are flying back home. The majority are heading to two destinations - the Philippines and India. Flights that are currently leaving Kuwait are for repatriation of expats, who usually book through their embassy,” added Yazan.
But most people are still booking online as they find it cheaper or easier. “I prefer to book online as I can choose from a variety of options and compare prices. Also, I always holiday with my friends, and they also like to book online. We are young men, so we don’t mind taking a risk with booking hotels online, as we can stay at any hotel. Honestly, I haven’t faced any problems in the past,” said Ahmad.
Travel agencies safer for bookings