A modest, independent travel agency located in Dublin called JOHN GALLIGAN has been offering excursions to Russia since the 1980s.
This week marked the conclusion of that period of transition.
In response to JGT’s decision to withdraw its Irish program, Mr Galligan stated, “We know the Russian government will not be the least bit concerned.”
The Russian government has unleashed murder and mayhem on the innocent people of Ukraine, and we feel compelled to express our displeasure with this.
It has now been announced that the Irish Travel Agents’ Association member will be canceling all excursions to Russia, including popular short vacations to St Petersburg and Moscow.
Mr Galligan expresses admiration for the Russian people and their culture (“In what other country would you go on a sightseeing tour of the subterranean stations?”), and he has made an effort to keep politics at a remove throughout his time in the country.
However, he believed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should not be overlooked any further.
“Although our protest is little, if everyone throughout the world makes similar insignificant gestures, Russia will undoubtedly begin to feel the squeeze.”
Travel businesses all across the world are making similar decisions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and in recognition of the fact that many clients are concerned about traveling to the region.
The Expedia Group has reportedly “ceased the sale of travel into and out of Russia,” according to reports. Cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC have canceled popular stops in St Petersburg, as has the Norwegian Cruise Line.
Russia and a number of western countries have barred aviation carriers from flying across their respective countries’ airspace. Russia has also been cautioned against by a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.
A statement from Travel Department, another Irish travel company that has cancelled its Russian excursions, stated, “We are horrified and very saddened by the events that are now happening.”
According to sources, the Expedia Group has apparently “stopped the sale of travel into and out of Russia.” Popular stops in St Petersburg have been canceled by cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC; the Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled a stop in St Petersburg.
Aeronautical carriers have been forbidden from flying across the airspace of Russia and a number of other western countries. A number of countries, notably the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States, have also expressed concern over Russia’s behavior in recent years.
“We are appalled and very concerned by the events that are now taking place,” said a statement from Travel Department, another Irish travel business that has cancelled its Russian excursions.
Making the decision to cancel whole trip plans is rarely a straightforward process. In addition to the income lost, it forces businesses who are already fighting to recover from the Covid-19 outbreak to scramble to refund and rebook customers.
Hotels, tour operators, and other businesses may also have employees who live and work in Russia, as well as affected partners who have nothing to do with Vladimir Putin’s war on the country’s citizens.
It is unknown when the situation will begin to stabilize.
It is possible that flights to and from Ukraine will not be able to resume until “next winter,” according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, who noted that Russia’s damage of radar and flight equipment would delay the process.
A number of other travel companies have made donations to assist with the crisis.
Airbnb, for example, declared that Airbnb.org will provide free, short-term shelter to up to 100,000 migrants fleeing Ukraine, despite the fact that the company continues to rent out accommodations in Russia.
An international ‘Hospitality for Ukraine’ campaign is urging hospitality companies to assist Ukrainian refugees by hosting individuals escaping war in other parts of the world.
Organizational partners Stay the Night and Kash Bhattacharya of BudgetTraveller.org are coordinating the initiative, which is requesting that hotels, hostels, and other lodging providers sign up for a database that will be shared with relevant organizations aiding refugees on the ground.
“It is extremely distressing to watch innocent people forced to evacuate their homes,” Bhattacharya expressed his sadness at the situation.
“Being involved in the travel and hospitality sector for more than a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand what an incredible worldwide community this profession is.
The possibility of working together to help individuals in need of shelter and protection is appealing to me.
