SHANGHAI (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ctrip.com International, Ltd., Asia’s leading provider of integrated travel services company and its subsidiary Trip.com has immediately set its Global SOS Emergency response mechanism into action following multiple bomb attacks in Sri Lanka earlier today.[the_ad id=”31605″] Ctrip is closely following the situation to ensure the safety of all users who have booked trips to or within Sri Lanka via the Ctrip platform.
Ctrip and Trip.com has made contact with guests staying at hotels affected by the disaster, including the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside and Cinnamon Red to verify their safety. Ctrip’s hotel booking division is coordinating with local hotel partners and suppliers to facilitate for guests wishing to cancel their hotel bookings in Colombo from April 21 to April 23.
Ctrip and Trip.com are also in close communication with airports and airlines to provide passengers who have booked flights to or within Sri Lanka with updates on flight information in a timely manner. Ctrip will make all the necessary arrangements with regard to flight changes, refunds or cancellations.
Ctrip has further contacted all independent and group travelers within Colombo to ensure their safety and is in close communication with tour guides and team leaders, with the wellbeing of customers as the first priority. Ctrip’s Virtual Team Manager (VTM) and Global SOS Emergency mechanisms are on constant standby to provide information and assistance to all travelers as required.
A disaster fund has been launched for all customers who have booked travel through Ctrip’s online and offline stores in Sri Lanka between April 21 to 24, including group tours, independent travel, day trips, leisure activities and custom trips. Ctrip will actively bear all costs resulting from cancellations or changes made to reservations as a result of the tragedy and all those affected will not pay any extra fees.
Ctrip expresses the deepest sympathy for the innocent victims and their families. The company is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of our users in the region.
Traveler safety is Ctrip and Trip.com’s paramount concern at this difficult time. The company reminds all travelers to exercise extreme caution when travelling in Sri Lanka and strongly recommends avoiding crowded areas, while remaining vigilant in the vicinity of train stations and airports.
When urgent assistance is required, travelers should immediately report to the police, contact the Chinese embassy and consulate, and also make Ctrip aware of the situation.