Thousands Unable to Return Due to Guam Super Typhoon 'Mawar'
No Obligation for Natural Disaster Compensation but Voluntary Support
Decision Made on Moral Grounds Including Accommodation Fees and Essential Supplies Provided
Major domestic travel agencies are voluntarily offering support measures for travelers stranded in Guam due to the super typhoon 'Mawar.' Although travel agencies are not obligated to compensate for disruptions caused by natural disasters, they have decided to provide compensation on a moral basis to ease the inconvenience of tourists who have embarked on overseas trips for the first time in a while since COVID-19, prioritizing safety above all.
On the 25th (local time), Super Typhoon Mawar struck the U.S. territory of Guam in the Pacific, and a car is passing through the flooded streets of Tumon Bay. [Photo by Sazen, AFP Yonhap News]
According to the travel industry on the 27th, Interpark has decided to cover the full hotel accommodation costs (based on equivalent hotels) for customers using the company's package products currently staying in Guam until their return. Previously, Interpark had planned to provide a uniform accommodation support fund of 100,000 KRW per room per night, but expanded the compensation level considering the local situation. Additionally, to minimize customer inconvenience, local guides have arranged care services delivering essentials such as bottled water, cup noodles, and snacks to the accommodations.
Yeom Soon-chan, head of Interpark's Tour Package Business Group, said, "We are responding by checking the local situation in real-time with local partners to minimize customer inconvenience," and added, "We will do our best to ensure all customers return safely." Interpark also decided to waive cancellation fees for customers who booked Guam package products departing in early June and wish to change to alternative destinations due to safety concerns.
Modetour also expanded its compensation plan to 100,000 KRW per room per night, up to a maximum of 900,000 KRW. Initially, Modetour's compensation plan was limited to 200,000 KRW per room once, but the support scale was increased. Jo Jae-kwang, head of Modetour's Product Headquarters, stated, "Fortunately, no customers were injured due to this typhoon, but since the stay period is expected to be extended, we decided to expand the compensation plan on a moral basis," emphasizing, "We are checking the local situation in real-time with local partners to minimize customer inconvenience and are fully committed to ensuring the safe return of all customers."
Earlier, as super typhoon Mawar passed through, all flights at Guam and nearby Saipan airports were canceled, stranding thousands of tourists who traveled to the area. Flights resumed in Saipan from the previous day, but in Guam, recovery work is underway aiming to reopen the airport on the 30th, leaving travelers stranded locally.
Major travel agencies such as Hanatour, Norangpungseon, Kyowon Tour Travel Easy, and Chamjoeun Travel also plan to provide accommodation support funds of 100,000 KRW per room per night for those who used their company products and are currently in the area.
An industry official said, "Losses are inevitable from the travel agencies' perspective, but the safe return of travelers is paramount," adding, "Considering the disruption to travel schedules that were started with excitement, we decided to provide some support regardless of compensation regulations."
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