Tour agents say travellers backing out from going to Sichuan
Posted: 13 May 2008 2141 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Travel agents said they have seven tour groups from Singapore that are still in the quake-affected areas in China.

Tour agents said they are making arrangements to bring at least three groups home, as soon as possible.

The other four groups are stranded at their hotels but are safe. They cannot travel for now because the roads in their area have been damaged by the quake.

Many in Singapore, who had planned to go to Sichuan, are pulling out. Travel agents expect to see a slight dip in business this month, at least for tours to China.

SA Tours said it has seen between 50 and 60 people cancelling their tours to China for this month. ASA Travel saw about 100 people changing their minds about going anywhere near Chengdu.

Those who booked these China tours have either got a full refund or have chosen a different destination.

"Even if they don't cancel, we'll cancel. We'll closely observe and keep in touch with the locals to see how the situation develops and we feel it's not safe. The lives and safety of our customers are our top priorities," said Ruth Lim, Marketing & Communications manager of SA Tours. - CNA /ls