CHTA calls for major tour operators to settle debts with Caribbean hotels
Published:Tuesday | June 9, 2020 | 10:20 AM
MIAMI, CMC – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling for one of the world’s largest leisure, travel, and tourism companies, TUI Group (Touristik Union International), to reimburse Caribbean hotels and resorts for services received.
Last April, CHTA appealed for a response from tour operators which had failed to reimburse hotels for first quarter stays by travellers who had made their payments to them well in advance of their travel.
“Most tour operators honoured their obligations, and we’ve been pleased to see that a number of those who had delayed reimbursements have settled since our appeal in April,” said Frank Comito, CHTA’s CEO and Director General.
“But millions of dollars in reimbursements remain obligated and are jeopardising the hoteliers’ survival and ability to meet obligations, like taxes and labour expenses, because of the holdout by TUI and several other tour operators.”
In a letter to Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of TUI’s United Kingdom and Ireland operations, Comito said he wanted the company to join its competitors in settling debts to Caribbean hotels whose survival is under threat.
The CHTA chief executive also described efforts by TUI to advance amendments to payment terms for future contracts – which are even more onerous for hoteliers – and would be tied to receiving the Q1 payments that are contractually owed as “unreasonable and untenable”.
By failing to pay, TUI appears to be in breach of existing contractual obligations, Comito said, noting that these distressed hotels have been longstanding loyal partners, directly contributing to the build of TUI’s Caribbean book of business.
The Caribbean private sector leader noted with great interest the public statement of apology that Flintham recently made to travellers who are also awaiting cancellation reimbursements.
“While a similar sentiment would be appropriate to your loyal and longstanding partner hotels in the Caribbean… we urge your support in expediting the reimbursement of these obligations.”
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