Scouts Trip to Switzerland in July-Pay balance or not?

patricialumsden

Our Scouts have fundraised for 2 years for a trip to Switzerland on 11th July, booked with Venture Abroad. We have paid £26,910 so far and VA want us to pay the balance on 1st May which is £30,758. Our Scout leaders do not think it will be safe or advisable to go on this trip.  The centre in Switzerland is currently closed until June 30th. If we pay the balance and the centre is open and we can travel in July but we choose cancel then we lose ALL the money. If we don't pay the balance then we get a refund of £8580 from our deposit thus far. This all seems incredibly unfair by VA who the majority of Scout groups book with year in year out. Is anyone else in this situation with Venture Abroad? 

Life__Goes__On

Was the trip insured?
It might be down to   risk everything hoping it will be cancelled or take a very large hit.

Browntoa

So you are talking about a total outlay of £56000 ? 

Do you have an ATOL certificate

Browntoa

Paying the balance protects the whole amount when it's inevitably cancelled if you do have abta/ATOL protection

Not paying loses you £18,000

Life__Goes__On

What kind of trip is it? is it different Scouts groups all meeting up, as that can help to advise if it will be  cancelled
(Switzerland have started easing their lockdown measures)

bagand96

I'm guessing this is no different to people with a holiday booking, just that because it's a big group, there is a large amount of money involved.  They are members of ABTA and ATOL, the trip may be considered a package if transport was included, which would be handy as it will give you certain rights.  If, as an example a ferry or flight is cancelled then they would have to refund under Package Travel Regulations

Their website has a section about "Financial Security" with the following quote:

Monitoring the FCO Guidance
We also regularly monitor the foreign exchange market and FCO guidance to be abreast of changes in government travel advisories and worldwide issues, so that we can act promptly and keep your group both safe and financially secure.

Not sure if that will help, but certainly if the UK FCO advice hasn't changed by then there might be an avenue to hold them to that promise.

Insurance is another avenue, check with whoever is insuring your group and see what they advise.

SootySweep1

Hi
Have you discussed this with the scout association to seek their advice ?
I know that Wings scheduled for the end of July has been cancelled.
Jen