Struggling Tour Company Affects Turkish Vacationers - "Hotel escalates rates exponentially"
In the wake of Mixx Travel's bankruptcy, approximately 1,200–1,300 Scandinavian tourists are currently stranded in Turkey and Greece. This unfortunate event has caused uncertainty and stress among the travelers, who are now seeking guidance on how to proceed.
The Swedish Kammarkollegiet and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) are advising affected travelers to contact them to file claims for compensation and travel guarantees. It is essential to submit these claims within three months of the bankruptcy filing or tour cancellation.
Regarding hotel fees, travelers should not pay for hotel nights already covered by Mixx Travel. If the stay is extended due to the situation, reasonable additional accommodation costs can be claimed for reimbursement, but unnecessary expenses like luxury hotels are not covered. It is crucial to keep all receipts and proof of payment for any additional accommodation expenses.
As for return flights, scheduled flights booked through Mixx Travel may be canceled, and travelers should confirm with the airline directly. If a scheduled flight is canceled or if you cannot board, travelers must arrange and pay for their own return flights initially, with possibilities of reimbursement from the travel guarantee fund. Charter flights are likely canceled, so travelers must arrange their own replacement flights close to their original plans; similarly, these costs may be reimbursed from the guarantee funds held by authorities such as the FCCA or Kammarkollegiet.
Mixx Travel has provided guarantees totaling approximately 28.4 million SEK, expected to cover transportation home and possibly other compensation claims. However, refunds may take several months due to the high number of affected customers.
In a report by the Norwegian newspaper VG, Sara Helene Lund-Tønnesen, a 23-year-old tourist affected by the insolvency, and Elvan Gunes, the manager of the Bilkay Hotel in Alanya, Turkey, shared their experiences. The Bilkay Hotel had given 33 of its 60 rooms to Mixx Travel customers but has not received any payments from the travel agency.
The insolvency of Mixx Travel has left many tourists in a difficult situation, requiring them to pay for their accommodation and find alternative travel arrangements. Norwegian low-cost airline Norwegian has cancelled all bookings from Mixx Travel for flights from 2nd August, making it difficult for affected tourists to find a new return flight.
Currently, there is an extreme heat wave in Turkey, causing water reserves to dwindle rapidly in some areas, including tourist resorts. The company owner, Ercan Secilmis, stated that they tried to save the company until the very end.
Affected persons can apply for compensation from the insurance, but the application must be submitted no later than three months after the cancellation of the trip becomes known. It is a challenging time for the stranded tourists, but with the guidance provided by the consumer agencies and the potential for reimbursement, there is hope for a resolution.
- In the aftermath of Mixx Travel's bankruptcy, persons may encounter issues regarding their lifestyle, such as unexpected travel expenses and accommodation costs, and potentially face financial hardship.
- As general-news continues to report on the insolvency of Mixx Travel, it is crucial for travelers to stay informed about crime-and-justice developments like possible fraudulent practices or theft of personal information by unscrupulous individuals preying on stranded tourists.
- Seeking balance in their lives amidst this distressing situation, travelers can also focus on positive aspects, like forming connections with locals, such as Elvan Gunes, the Bilkay Hotel manager in Turkey, who share their experiences and provide assistance during this challenging period.
