Excite suspends bookings
ONLINE wholesaler Excite Holidays has stopped taking bookings on its website, with Managing Director Nicholas Stavropoulos saying the measure is because the company is in the “final stages of commercial discussions” (TD breaking news).
In an update to Excite staff yesterday, Stavropoulos said he would be able to provide more detail within 24 hours, after earlier this week telling TD “an exciting deal is in the works”.
Although new bookings are not being accepted, Excite’s call centre is still managing queries about existing reservations, albeit with extended wait times and advice that customers should remit payment directly to suppliers and “lodge a service complaint” with Excite.
Hundreds of clients have been disrupted in recent weeks (TD 02 Jan), arriving with prepaid Excite vouchers refused by suppliers.
Interestingly, a number of TD readers have now received emails from Las Vegas-based Bonotel Exclusive Travel, offering to take over bookings “under the same economics” and collect payment directly from the agents.
“It seems to me that the travellers will be disputing the charge to Excite Holidays with their credit card companies, so the result should be no financial harm to traveller,” the email from Bonotel Chief Financial Officer, Marlo Vandemore reads.
There was speculation earlier this week (TD 08 Jan) that there was a deal in the wings with Bonotel, with whom Excite already has a close relationship.
MEANWHILE a number of other operators have stepped in to assist agents with impacted Excite Holidays bookings
HELLOWORLD Travel’s Viva Holidays/ReadyRooms wholesale division has acted swiftly in the wake of yesterday’s closure of Excite Holidays’ booking website (see page one), this morning implementing a dedicated phone number to assist affected agents.
Helloworld Executive Director, Cinzia Burnes, told TD “we intend to provide any assistance necessary to minimise the financial impact to agents”.
She said Viva was also most importantly focused on ensuring that the clients are not inconvenienced.
The special hotline, on 1300 552 323, will allow agents to check both Tango and ReadyRooms prices with the assistance of one of the wholesaler’s dedicated operations team, Burnes said.
She added the hotline is now fully operational and ready to handle agent enquiries.
MEANWHILE Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre (GMTC) has also urged agents with Excite Greece bookings to make contact as soon as possible.
“We have great rates and relations with thousands of hotels in Greece, and we can also arrange all other services such as ferry tickets, transfers and a variety of tours,” said GMTC MD Halina Kubica.
She noted the ATAS-accredited and CATO member company had a dedicated office in Athens to provide assistance to clients 24/7.
Enquiries are being accepted on 1300 661 666 or via email on info@greecemedtravel.com.au.
“Currently there is no waiting time on the phone,” Kubica said.