Frustrated Victorians whose weddings and holidays were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic are taking legal action in a bid to recoup money.
Maria and Lou Larubina recently filed a VCAT application against travel company Inspiring Vacations after unsuccessfully trying to claw back a $5800 deposit for a 21-day bus tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. She said the tour company initially offered a $3772 refund, deducting a $2028 fee for costs already incurred, which she said was unfair.
Paul Ryan, the managing director of Inspiring Vacations, said there was nothing on record to show that the Larubinas were unhappy with the full credit provided to them.“The customers should really contact us and explain the nature of any hardship they may be experiencing for our consideration,” he said.
“Neither our current terms nor our terms that were in force prior to COVID-19 entitle customers to any refund under these circumstances,” he said. “Our approach is in line with most tour operators in the Australian market.” Consumer advocate Adam Glezer, who has been helping Australians recoup money from travel companies and lobbying federal MPs to improve consumer protections, said hundreds of grounded travellers were taking legal action over their grievances.Eddie Jim
Source: Law Daily Report (lawdailyreport.net)