Tourism agencies respond to charter cruise cancellation for 2010 games

VANCOUVER , Feb. 2 /CNW/ - Members of the 2010 Tourism Consortium are working with destination management companies and the hotel community to find accommodation for Games spectators stranded by the cancellation of the Norwegian Star cruiseship chartered by NewWest Special Projects LP.

According to Walt Judas, vice president of Visitor Services for Tourism Vancouver , steps have already been taken to ensure that people who booked the cruise accommodation option have a place to stay while in Vancouver for the Games.

"Tourism Vancouver and our partners at Tourism BC, Tourism Whistler and Tourism Richmond are working with hotels to identify any rooms that are available during the Games and plug that inventory into our respective booking engines," said Judas. "We're also working with several destination management companies and preferred suppliers to find hotel rooms, as well as non-traditional accommodation such as private homes."

While the Tourism Consortium is relieved that passengers are being assured of receiving refunds, they are advising cruise customers to also cancel their accommodation reservations through their credit card companies if they paid using a major credit card.

Additionally, the Tourism Consortium is recommending that individuals and groups affected can contact suppliers directly via email at [email protected] or [email protected] or visit tourism websites at www.2010destinationplanner.com; www.tourismvancouver.com; www.whistler.com or www.hellobc.com to find accommodation options for the Games period.

For further information: Walt Judas, Tourism Vancouver, [phone] (office), [phone] (cell)