The COVID-19 pandemic has hit all of us, not only in our country but around the world. Our hearts especially go out to each family and person who has been directly affected through a health issue or loss of life. We all have had to accept changes and challenges that only a few months ago we couldn’t have anticipated. The travel industry, like others, has been directly affected as travel was suddenly halted and everyone’s plans either cancelled or put on hold. Small, full-service travel agencies like mine have been particularly hard hit as we have worked often around-the-clock to try to resolve the many problems our clients have been presented with while at the same time losing the commissions from those trips that are our sole source of revenue. We of course don’t have the financial resources available that large companies have to see them through until things begin to return to normal. You are probably experiencing many changes businesses are making to try to cope with the new challenges they face. I have made a business plan change that I hope will allow me to continue to provide the high level of service and individual attention throughout the complete travel experience you expect from Travel with Sonja. Effective May 1, 2020, there will be a Professional Trip Planning Service Fee payable prior to providing quotes or designing itineraries for trips of any kind. This fee will be charged per trip, is non-refundable and is pre-determined by the type and length of trip. This is separate from the cost of the trip. A Service Agreement will be provided outlining the parameters of your trip and what the Professional Planning Fee will be for your trip after an initial consultation. Along with this a signed COVID-19 Travel Waiver will also be required.
Previously I have taken pride in being able to devote considerable time to planning, quoting, and designing custom itineraries whether the customer ended up purchasing the travel or not. In addition, I have devoted as much time as necessary solving travel issues and making necessary changes and accommodations for my clients when they encounter problems during their travel. With the loss of income from COVID-19 as well as reduced commissions from some companies, increases in licensing fees, insurance, and other costs it has become impossible to continue to operate under the free-of-charge business plan. I hope you will continue to rely on Travel with Sonja for your travel planning. I am committed to offering the high level of service I have always provided. Thank you for your understanding.
Previously I have taken pride in being able to devote considerable time to planning, quoting, and designing custom itineraries whether the customer ended up purchasing the travel or not. In addition, I have devoted as much time as necessary solving travel issues and making necessary changes and accommodations for my clients when they encounter problems during their travel. With the loss of income from COVID-19 as well as reduced commissions from some companies, increases in licensing fees, insurance, and other costs it has become impossible to continue to operate under the free-of-charge business plan. I hope you will continue to rely on Travel with Sonja for your travel planning. I am committed to offering the high level of service I have always provided. Thank you for your understanding.