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ABSORBING LOST DEPOSITS: Hurtigruten Supports Agents Following Bentours Collapse

Hurtigruten is reassuring Travel Agents that bookings relating to Hurtigruten product will be taken care of following the collapse of Bentours, Cox & Kings, and Tempo Holidays last week. Hurtigruten […]

Hurtigruten is reassuring Travel Agents that bookings relating to Hurtigruten product will be taken care of following the collapse of Bentours, Cox & Kings, and Tempo Holidays last week.

Hurtigruten has established a dedicated email address and web page on its Australian website and employed extra staff to deal with enquiries from concerned Agents and guests.

Hurtigruten said they have already responded to more than a thousand enquiries, with bookings for imminent travel given priority attention.

Hurtigruten estimates more than 4,000 guests may have been affected by the business collapse, with many guests due to depart in the next fortnight.

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“We know how stressful this situation is for people who had planned and booked a once-in-a-lifetime experience that may include Hurtigruten.”

Hurtigruten APAC Managing Director Damian Perry.

“And we are working around the clock to find travel solutions for those guests.”

Hurtigruten said they intend to “ease the pain and disruption for those that have paid a deposit on voyages with Hurtigruten”.

Travel agents and guests can now pay the balance of their Hurtigruten booking elements directly with Hurtigruten.

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Hurtigruten will absorb the lost deposit and pursue those deposited funds through legal channels. This applies to Hurtigruten elements only.

Guests that have paid in full to Bentours are being assisted to secure their bookings. Hurtigruten will not cancel any bookings without consultation with affected guests and/or agents.

“We are working closely with agents to investigate their options via the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) ACS chargeback scheme. We encourage protected agents to follow the AFTA guidelines and process to secure funds.”

“We’re here to help, and resolving these issues will continue to be our top priority over the coming days and weeks.”

Hurtigruten

“We hope to make sure any of those affected who have dreamed of a voyage with Hurtigruten will still have the opportunity to experience one of our extraordinary nature experiences.”

Any affected Travel Agents or guests should visit hurtigruten.com.au/bentours for information and assistance.