“With the curfew measures, it’s even more anxiety-provoking. Customers don’t want to or can’t leave. “ Cyril Cafaro, independent tour operator installed at Rennes, with its agency “La tour y voir”, has never ceased its activity since the start of the health crisis, but travel plans are slowing down. “People can no longer anticipate. Either they come to us at the last minute, or they do it well in advance, six to eight months before leaving. “
“We can travel to many countries”
In recent weeks, he has prepared a trip to Martinique in January, another to Lapland in December. Another one in France, to spend a holiday in Avoriaz, in Haute-Savoie. “I am all alone in the office, my employee is on partial unemployment, testifies Cyril Cafaro. At first, we hoped for a recovery after confinement, but the situation is still just as difficult for tourism professionals. We don’t have visibility before spring 2021, or even before next summer. “
Despite this uncertain context, this travel agent has destinations to offer. “We can travel to many countries”, he assures. Some ask for a PCR test, usually done 72 hours before departure. Others (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece) do not require a test. The situation can change from day to day. The best is still to consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rather vacation in France
Failing to go abroad, many prefer to stay in France. “If a customer wishes to cancel his trip, his ticket can now be changed free of charge and without proof, on the date and to the destination of his choice”, wants to reassure Air France, faced with undecided customers. “On our side, we also offer insurance, indicates Cyril Cafaro, both to cover the customer, but also to cover us, as we have the obligation to reimburse within fifteen days if the trip is canceled. “
Leaving Europe for long journeys remains the riskiest option. In many countries, borders are closed or at risk of being closed due to the health crisis. Many fear that they will not be able to return. Or they may have difficulty getting their plane ticket reimbursed. This is the case of Lydie, who was to leave for New Zealand last July. “I had booked through an internet platform. Three weeks before departure, I was informed that my flight was canceled, she recounts. Since then, I have tried to get reimbursed via an interlocutor who is in India, without result… ”
It all depends on your budget
Among the testimonials collected on the Facebook page of West France, some are resigned. “Everything is in stand-by mode, fed up with booking to have to cancel after like last summer, confides Jocelyne. So we live from day to day, we enjoy life. “ Others cite economic difficulties: it is not easy to make travel plans when purchasing power is declining. “Health restrictions don’t change anything, considers Solenn. With or without Covid, no money, no vacation. “
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