It’s been labelled one of the worst disruptions in European travel with industry analysts estimating the cost on the European travel industry to be in excess of £1.3 billion. Following the economic recession, this is the last thing the industry needs. The airline industry is calling for compensation and regulatory changes to avoid a similar situation happening again and there is talk about airfares rising by more than 5% this year as a result of this crisis and increasing oil prices.

However, this issue has also brought kudos to the agency community, highlighting the value that travel agencies bring to both travellers and airlines. Agencies everywhere have been working overtime to repatriate travellers using creative travel routes and a variety of transportation options to get their travellers to their end destination as quickly as possible. It’s been extremely enlightening to hear how our agents rose to the challenge with a real ‘community spirit’ and resourcefulness in their approach to repatriating their customers. This kind of service sits at the heart of an agent’s value – get it right by going above and beyond in helping your displaced customers, and you’ll engender traveller loyalty. Get it wrong and you might as well bid your customer farewell.

Having spent a lot of time talking to customers about this, I would like to share feedback about how some of our customers have used Sabre’s® technology to help them demonstrate their core value and provide the best possible service to their customers. Sometimes when faced with a crisis, the best thing you can do is get the basics right… in three simple steps.

1. QUICKLY IDENTIFY IMPACTED CUSTOMERS
   Don’t wait for customers to ring you – make sure you use know which of your customers are impacted and what their travel plans are. The agents I spoke to told me they used Sabre’s ‘Traveler Security and Data Suite ’, a graphical solution that instantly locates travellers worldwide and provides contact information and itinerary details. Using this solution, one of our agency customers Norad Travel was able to produce a report in just ten minutes, enabling them to proactively contact their customers before some of them even knew they were impacted.
2. COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE
   Regular contact should be maintained with customers. There’s nothing worse than not knowing what’s going on, so if in doubt, over-communicate. Keep customers informed of airport and airspace closures, and their flight status, and make sure you use their preferred form of communication. Take advantage of new mobile solutions like Sabre’s TripCase to provide location-based messaging, and use Sabre® Virtually There solution to deliver travel updates, revised itineraries and updated e-tickets by mobile phone and email.
3. QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY RE-ACCOMODATE TRAVELLERS
   Discuss all alternative travel options and help travellers decide the best option. Also, think outside the square – one of our agency customers, Portman Travel, chartered private planes to transfers travellers between open air space locations and even rented accommodation for travellers in locations where hotels were fully booked. If travellers want to re-book a flight, do so as quickly and efficiently. Invest in technology that automates the time-consuming manual process of reissuing, refunding and exchanging tickets. Sabre’s Quick Refunds and Exchanges solution is one option, enabling agencies to manage this process within minutes.

Travel agencies serve an important role in our industry because of their ability to efficiently and effectively service traveller’s needs. As our industry recovers from this crisis it provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on what learnings we can take away from the experience and how we can be better prepared for the future.

I would like to say a big congratulations to all agents who demonstrated their value by going above and beyond for their travelers, and further endorsed the value of our Travel Agency community!

Martin Cowley
Senior Vice President
Sabre Travel Network, EMEA

You fly from airport to Delhi via Frankfurt.

Day 02: DELHI

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day Fri

Day 03: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

Depart from Delhi to Rishikesh .. En route visit Haridwar.

Day 04: Rishikesh – SYANCHATTI

We leave to Syanchatti. Overnight hotel.

Day 05: SYANCHATTI (YAMNOTRI)

Day excursion to JANAKICHATTI & YAMNOTI. Overnight hotel.

Day 06: SYANCHATTI – Uttarkashi

We leave for Uttarkashi. Overnight hotel.

Day 07: Uttarkashi – GUPTKASHI (Gangotri)

Excurisie GUPTKASHI & dad to Gangotri. Overnight hotel.

Day 08: GUPTKASHI – TRIJUGINARAYAN

Trijuginarayan noon and leave for darshan. Overnight hotel.

Day 09: TRIJUGINARAYAN – Kedarnath

Leave for Kedarnath. En route visit Gaurikund. Overnight.

Day 10: Kedarnath – PIPALKOTHI

Leave for Pipalkothi. En route visit Tungnath. Overnight.

Day 11: PIPALKOTHI – Badrinath

Departure to Badrinath. En route we visit Joshimath. Overnight.

Day 12: Badrinath – PANDUKESHWAR – RUDRAPRAYAG

Leave for Rudraprayag. Afternoon visit Pandukeshwar. Overnight

Day 13: RUDRAPRAYAG – Rishikesh

After darshan, we depart for Rishikesh. Overnight hotel.

Day 14: Rishikesh – Delhi

We’re moving to Delhi. Afternoon free for shopping. Overnight hotel.

Day 15: DELHI

Day free for shopping etc. Overnight hotel.

Day 16: DELHI – LONDON

You fly from Delhi to Amsterdam via Frankfurt.

You fly from Amsterdam to Mumbai via Paris.

Day 02: BOMBAY

Upon arrival at the airport in Mumbai a traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day free for own activities like shopping. Overnight at Hotel Ramee Guestline ****

Day 03: BOMBAY

After breakfast a city tour Day Duration of Bombay City and Juhu area. You will visit the Malabarheuvel, Hanging Gardens, Jain Temple, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India, Mahni Bhawan, Marine Drive and the homes of movie stars. Overnight at Hotel Ramee Guestline ****

Day 04: Mumbai – Cochin – Periyar

You fly from Mumbai to Cochin. Upon arrival at Cochin transfer to Periyar. The rest of the day free for your own activities or shopping. Overnight at Tree Top Hotel ****

Day 05: Periyar – Kovalam

After breakfast a city tour of Periyar and Spice Garden. Afternoon transfer to Kovalam – the beach, enjoy sun, sea, beach and coconut. Ability to take Ayurvedic massage at the hotel. Overnight Hotel Udai Samundra ****

Day 06: Kovalam – Kanyakumari

Today we go on excursion to Kanyakumari – the destination of India and in the afternoon tour of the main city of Kerala.Overnachting Trivendrum Hotel Udai Samundra

Day 07: Kovalam – ALLEPPY

Transfer to Alleppy for a fascinating journey through the zeelagunes (the so-called ‘backwaters’). You sail through palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals and makes close to the daily life of local people along. Overnight hotel Pagoda Beach Resort ***

Day 08: ALLEPPY – Cochin

Today transfer to Cochin. Afternoon city tour of Cochi, the port, the Jewish Synagogue, the Jewish Quarter, Dutch Palace and Chinese Fishing nets. Overnight hotel. Abad Plaza ****

Day 09: Cochin

Full day free for your own activities or shopping in downtown Cochin. Overnight at Hotel Abad Plaza ****

Day 10: Cochin – Goa

After breakfast we transfer to airport and fly to Goa. The “Golden Goa” was once the capital of the Portuguese empire in the East. The beaches more than one hundred kilometers of coastline are some of the finest beaches in the world, bands of gold bordered by the expanse of the aquamarine colored sea. Overnight in Hotel Phonix Park Resort ****

Day 11: GOA

Today after breakfast city tour of Goa. Rest of the day free for your own activities, beach walks, etc. Overnight hotel Phonix Park Resort ***

Day 12: GOA

After breakfast free for your own activities, beach walks, etc. Overnight hotel Phonix Park Resort ****

Day 13: GOA – Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Today you fly to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day Fri Overnight at Hotel Jaipur Palace *****

Day 14: Jaipur

Today, go on excursion to Amber. In the afternoon a city tour of Jaipur. You will visit the city palace, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Hawa Mahal and the local bazaar. Overnight at Hotel Jaipur Palace *****

Day 15: JAIIPUR – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

You will leave today to Agra. En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri. At noon we visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Overnight hotel Hawarden Park Plaza ****

Day 16: Agra – Mathura – Delhi

You start to Delhi. En route we visit Mathura (the birthplace of Sri Krishna). Overnight at Hotel Regent Continental ***

Day 17: DELHI

After breakfast city tour of Delhi. Your program is the Qutub Minar, a beautiful mosque in Afghan style from the 12 th century with a tower 73 meters high, the India Gate, the temple Lakshmi Narayana, Lotus Temple, Indira Gandhi memorial, President House, the memorial and cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi, the Raj Ghat Shanti Vana and, Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Red Fort and Chandni Chowk (Silver Square), the picturesque bazaar of Old Delhi. Rest of the day Fri Overnight Hotel Regent Continental ***

Day 18: DELHI

After breakfast free for your own activities or shopping in Karol Bagh, Palika bezaar, Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extension. Market. Overnight at Hotel Regent Continental.

Day 19: DELHI

After breakfast free for your own actions, for example, shopping in Karol Bagh, Palika Bazaar Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extention market. Overnight at Hotel Regent Continental.

Day 20: DELHI

After breakfast free for your own activities or shopping. Late afternoon transfer to airport for your flight to Amsterdam.

Day 21: DELHI – LONDON

You fly from Delhi to Amsterdam via Frankfurt or Paris.

You fly to Mumbai via Paris. Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, traditional welcome and transfer to your hotel Ramee Guestline ****

Day 02: BOMBAY

After breakfast a city tour of Mumbai city & Juhu. You will visit the Hanging Gardens Malabarheuvel, Jain Temple, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India, Mahni Bhawan, Marine Drive and the homes of movie stars. Overnight at Hotel Ramee Guestline ****

Day 03: Bombay – BANGKOK

Late afternoon transfer to airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free for your own actions. Overnight hotel Biyoke Suite ****

Day 04: BANGKOK

Today, the city tour of Bangkok. You are visiting – Royal Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew and emerald legend, Buddha, Golden Buddha. Rest of the day free for any shopping. Overnight at Hotel Baiyoke Suite

Day 05 BANGKOK

Today the trip to the famous and traditional floating market, Nakorn Pathom, Rose garden, traditional cultural shows, Thai boxing and elephant show. Overnight Hotel Baiyoke Suite

Day 06: BANGKOK

Today you all day free for your own activities such as shopping in Chinatown and Patpong market. Overnight hotel Biyoke Suite ****

Day 07: BANGKOK – PATTAYA

Today we depart to Pattaya. Upon arrival, you have a day off for your own actions. Overnight at hotel IBIS ****

Day 08: PATTAYA

Excursion to Coral Island with Speed Boat including a hot lunch Seefood. The afternoon free for shopping. Overnight at hotel IBIS ****

Day 09: PATTAYA – Delhi – Jaipur

In the afternoon departure to Jaipur via Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day off. Overnight at Hotel Jaipur Palace *****

Day 10: Jaipur

Today, go on excursion to Amber. In the afternoon a city tour of Jaipur. You will visit the city palace, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Hawa Mahal and the local bazaar. Overnight at Hotel Jaipur Palace *****
.
Day 11: JAIIPUR – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra

You will leave today to Agra. En route we visit Fatehpur Sikri. At noon we visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Overnight hotel Hawarden Park Plaza ****

Day 12: Agra – Mathura – Delhi

You start to Delhi. En route we visit Mathura (the birthplace of Sri Krishna). Overnight at Hotel Regent Continental ***

Day 13: DELHI

Fter breakfast free for own activities or shopping in Karol Bagh, Palika bezaar, Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extension market. Overnight at Hotel Regent Continental.

Day 14: DELHI

After breakfast free for own activities or shopping in Karol Bagh, Palika bezaar, Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extension market. Overnight at Hotel Regent Continental.

Day 15: DELHI – LONDON

You fly from Delhi to Amsterdam via Frankfurt or Paris.

For more information:

2nd Middellandstraat 4C, 3021 BM Rotterdam
Tel: 010-43,66.940, 22.64.844 – Fax: 010-43.63.705
Web: www.bastravels.nl Email: info@bastravels.nl
k.v.k. : 24418705, ABN AMRO BANK: 41.87.30.865

You fly directly to Delhi with Jet Airways (5 * Airlines). Upon arrival at Delhi airport, traditional welcome and transfer to Hotel Regent Continental ***

Day 02: DELHI

After breakfast you have free for personal activities such as shopping etc. Delhi is the capital of India. Delhi has an area 1478 km2 and a population of 12 million people and life. There are actually two different cities – the energetic and colorful old Delhi’s busy bazaars and Moghul architecture and New Delhi, commercial in nature and designed by Luyten, with wide boulevards and a very varied in Regent aanblikken.Overnachting Contl3 *

Day 03: DELHI

After breakfast city tour of Delhi. You are visiting: the Qutub Minar a tower 73 meters high, the India Gate, Lotus Temple, Gandhi Memorial, President House, the memorial and cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Chandni Chowk (Silver Square), the picturesque bazaar Old Delhi. Rest of the day Fri Overnight Accommodation at the Regent Continental ***

Day 04: DELHI

After breakfast, you have a free morning for your own activities, shopping opportunities in Karol Bagh, Palika Bazaar Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extention market. Overnight at the Regent Continental ***

Day 05: DELHI

After breakfast morning free for your own activities, shopping opportunities in Karol Bagh, Palika Bazaar Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extention market. Overnight at the Regent Continental ***

Day 06: DELHI-AGRA (TAJ MAHAL & PLACE OF BIRTH OF KRISHNA)

After breakfast your own business books, it is possible to book a day tour to Agra (Taj Mahal). Overnight in Regent Contl. 3 *

Day 07: DELHI

After a free morning breakfast for your own business opportunities shopping in Karol Bagh, Palika Bazaar Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extention market. Overnight at the Regent Continental ***

Day 08: DELHI

After breakfast, you have a free morning for your own activities, shopping opportunities in Karol Bagh, Palika Bazaar Sarojini Nagar Market, South Extention market. Overnight at the Regent Continental ***

Day 09: DELHI

After breakfast free for your own actions.

Day 10: DELHI – BRUSSELS

You fly to Brussels from Delhi with Jet Airways.

For more information:

2nd Middellandstraat 4C, 3021 BM Rotterdam
Tel: 010-43,66.940, 22.64.844 – Fax: 010-43.63.705
Web: www.bastravels.nl Email: info@bastravels.nl
k.v.k. : 24418705, ABN AMRO BANK: 41.87.30.865

Dag 02: BOMBAY
Na aankomst transfer naar uw hotel.  Rest van de dag vrij.

Dag 03: BOMBAY
Stadstour van Bombay.

Dag 04: BOMBAY – COCHIN – ALEPPY
U vliegt naar Cochin.  Middag  backwater cruize tour.

Dag 05: ALEPPY – PERIYAR
Transfer naar Periyar.  Vrij voor shopping etc.

Dag 06: PERIYAR
Stadstour van Periyar en spice garden etc.

Dag 07: PERIYAR – MADURAI
Transfer naar Madurai. Midag stadstour van Madurai Minakshi tempel.

Dag 08: MADURAI – RAMESHWARAM – MADURAI
Dag excursie naar Ramesharam (Shiva Jotirlinga).

Dag 09: MADURAI – COCHIN
Transfer naar Cochin.  Middag vrij voor shopping etc.

Dag 10: COCHIN
Een stadstour van Cochin.

Dag 11: COCHIN – GOA
U airco slaaptrain naar Goa. Overnachting on board.

Dag 12: GOA
Transfer naar hotel.  Middag een stadstour van Goa.

Dag 13: GOA
Vrij voor uw eigen activiteiten of strand wandeling etc.

Dag 14: GOA
Vrij voor uw eigen activiteiten of strand wandeling etc.

Dag 15: GOA - JAIPUR
U vligt uit Goa naar Jaipur.  Middag vrij voor winkelen.

Dag 16: JAIPUR
Stadstour van Jaipur en excursie naar Amber, olifant rit etc.

Dag 17: JAIIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA
Onderweg bezoekken Fatehpur Sikari. Middag een stadstour.

Dag 18: AGRA – MATHURA – DELHI
Transfer naar Delhi.  Onderweg bezoeken Mathura/Brindavan.

Dag 19: DELHI  Stadstour van Old en New Delhi.

Dag 20: DELHI  Vrij voor uw eigen activiteiten.

Dag 21: DELHI – AMSTERDAM
U vliegt uit Delhi naar Amsterdam via Frankfurt.