08/21/2020 - 11:05
- Clarín.com
- travels
In addition to uncertainty , one of the words we are using the most in these times of the coronavirus pandemic is " postponement" and " rescheduling" , especially in the tourism industry. Within this sector, student tourism or graduate trips are also included .
From the beginning, it was considered that this type of group trip -progressively scheduled and generally between June and December- could be resumed once face- to- face classes returned to schools.
In May, the expectation was set in September, therefore already at that time the departures of June, July and August began to be postponed, with an eye toward spring.
But the classes did not start, the cases continue to rise and, once again, the trips were postponed again. What's more, people from the sector began to talk about the possibility of making some outings in the summer season.
Young people dancing at the Centro Cívico de Bariloche, one of the key destinations for student tourism. Photo: Shutterstock
Taking into account the need for reprogramming, the Argentine Federation of Travel and Tourism Business Associations (FAEVYT) issued a statement seeking to bring peace of mind to families with contracted trips for this year.
"We continue to work together with the student tourism operators in a coordinated manner to be able to make the trips during 2020. Despite the delays, we want to bring peace of mind to the passengers of the affected trips, because student tourism is synonymous with safe travel, since that has a law that protects tourists so that they never lose that benefit, "the statement said.
"This year we face new challenges when it comes to guaranteeing the safety of all passengers. Taking this into account, it is planned to postpone the scheduled departures again for the month of September until the essential requirements to confirm, with new dates , departures that are suspended today. The well-being of passengers and compliance with national security regulations are two great priorities that we must fulfill, "he adds.
And he reiterates what has already been pointed out on several occasions: that student trips could be gradually materialized from a logical time of between 15 and 30 days after the start of face-to-face classes.
"The fundamental requirement to advance with the reprogramming is the approval of the Ministry of Health so that the contingents can move with the due protocols necessary to protect the safety of all those involved in the destinations, hotels, transportation, excursions and during night outings. We are convinced that these measures will protect all our passengers and will allow the trips to take place, "the statement concludes.
Santiago Aramburu, specialist lawyer in Tourism Law, recommends that families be in constant contact with the travel agency to establish new dates - and taking into account that a new postponement may be required. according to the evolution of the pandemic both in the city where the school is located and in the destination.
And it recommends that in case of inconveniences with the agency, you should contact the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (student@turismo.gov.ar).