Tsunami update

THE FEDERATION of Tour Operators has warned holidays to Tsunami-affected parts of Sri Lanka could be ruled out until the end of the winter season in April.

To date, the FTO has allowed customers to change or cancel bookings in affected regions until January 31, but following a conference call yesterday between the FTO, its member operators and ABTA it has now issued new advice ruling out trips to areas along the eastern and southern coasts and the south-western coast south of Kalutara.

The FTO said its members have cancelled all departures to affected Sri Lankan regions until February 28, 2005. Some charters have also been cancelled up until March 31. Holidays to unaffected regions of Sri Lanka are continuing as normal.

Advice for the Maldives still allows no penalty cancellations or changes until January 31, but clients must inform operators by January 15.

Thailand also still continues with a January 31 deadline, but said dates would be kept under review on parts of Phuket.