In the wake of the tragic events that unfolded in Paris over the weekend, the French president has declared a ‘state of emergency’. What does this mean for the travel industry?
With most of Paris’s tourist attractions now shut down, and the city in a state of grief and confusion over the recent attacks, tour operators, airlines and transport companies have released statements expressing their condolences and their operations moving forward.
Several airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways and Emirates are offering alternatives to guests scheduled to fly to France. Affected guests are able to change their dates, reroute or cancel their flights without additional charge.
Tour companies with tours already underway in Paris, or scheduled to begin soon, have also offered updates on their operations.
Topdeck Travel are continuing their tours in Europe, which are on schedule as per their normal itineraries. The youth travel company had one tour in Paris at the time of the attacks but thankfully all passengers are safe and sound. The group have since moved en-route to Switzerland.
APT have no scheduled tours in Paris at the moment. The tour company will be in touch with guests booked to begin their tours in the near future within the next week with updates.
Thankfully Contiki have announced that all their guests are safe and accounted for. The travel company will keep all future guests updated as events unfold.
Trafalgar currently doesn’t have any groups in Paris. The Travel Corporation has issued the following statement:
“The Travel Corporation (TTC) is deeply saddened by the recent events in Paris and expresses its sincere condolences to everyone affected as a consequence of this most heinous act. Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of France as we join them in mourning their losses and sending well wishes to those injured in the atrocities. The entire TTC team extends its support and solidarity for France at this exceptionally difficult time.”
The Travel Corporation (TTC)
Meanwhile, the Eurostar is operating as normal and train services within France are running as scheduled. International train services are running as per normal too, although guests are advised to keep up-to-date with the latest announcements.
