The African Tourism Board is aware of the Thomas Cook closing in the U.K. We are aware travelers in Africa that booked through Thomas Cook and affiliated companies including Neckermann and others in Germany are in need of assistance. Cuthbert Ncube, chairman of ATB released the following statement from the NGO’s headquarters in Pretoria:
We encourage our members and everyone in the African travel and tourism industry to go beyond the call of your contract and assist those guests in need of help.
The African Tourism Board is appealing to tourism companies, hotels, safari lodges, airlines, and cruise lines to do their best and help guests that booked and paid for a holiday with Thomas Cook and related companies.
Our hope is that everyone who is currently in Africa can finish their trip and make it the best experience ever. For this, we need assistance from everyone, who is currently a host. The African Tourism Board will assist in any way possible.
Companies going an extra step to make Thomas Cook guests feel welcome and appreciated during this uncertain time will pay off in the medium and long term. Such efforts by African hosts will help our tourism industry and will fulfil our goal to make Africa one big destination.
This appeal also goes to every national and local tourism board, hotel, safari company, DMC, airline, and cruise company doing business in Africa.”
Cuthbert encourages members to share their input, activities and experience in regards to this situation with ATB.
More information on the African Tourism Board can be found at www.africantourismboard.com
