HELP! I OFFENDED OUR TOUR OPERATOR IN EGYPT!
 

I have made a terrible mistake. I was trying to get references on the tour company we are going with in Egypt and had not been able to find much on them. I found the Ministry of Tourism in Egypt and I saw where it said "Inquire ABOUT tour companies". I thought that meant I could ask of them but evidently it means "Inquire TO tour companies". I wrote a little note asking if the company was reputable and I never said an ill word about the company-on the contrary-I said she had been kind and accommadating but just couldn't find any reviews. But my request did not go the the Ministry of Tourism but to tour companies, including hers. Well-I received an email back from the company stating I offended her and we were cancelled. I apoligized, tried to call her and received another email filled with anger. So I emailed to another company we had spoke with asking them to accommadate us. THEN, we recieved yet another email from her stating she accepted my apology and she is angry with us but now she wants our business again. I have a problem dealing with someone that hold anger towards us but she has stated she dealt with us in trust and made deposits with her own funds. NOW WHAT!! I never meant her any harm and now I am sick at the turn of events. HELP!!

She made deposit with her own money? Do you have any written agreement with her? Why would she book your trip before you agreed to it? This just just doesn't sound right.

If you don't have any final agreement find another tour company. You do not need any headache while planning your trip. How do you know this agent won't be upset when you have another request? You are a smart traveler who is doing her/his homework and that means getting information about a company you are going to deal with. One more thing I don't understand, why she feels offended if you did not hire her. Maybe she has something to hide. I know people who always find someone to blame for their own mistakes. Relax and stop apologizing. You didn't do anything wrong if you have no a written agreement with her and/or you did not send a deposit.

Hi 2families,

I really do not know what to write to you, but if it was an honest error, which it appears to be, then maybe when she calms down, all will be well. Maybe just the question of is this company reputable was offensive to her, not to mention that it also went to other tour operators. Did you put a deposit with the second tour operator? If so, then I would consider that I was now dealing with them, and explain to the first woman, that you had acted on her initial email and had already commenced with a second tour operator. If no deposit paid, then I would probably go ahead with the first tour operator, with the proviso, that she understood that it was nothing personal, but she must understand that you need to put your mind at ease with references. It is odd that she would put up deposits with her own money - that doesn't sound right to me!
Maybe even write to her saying what you said here, and state that you are uncomfortable dealing with her after receiving her emails and see how she responds.
In the big picture, you didn't do anything wrong, so do not feel sick about it!

Kind regards,
Kaye

It's a honest mistake; but you're better off finding another tour company. You have every reason to investigate the travel company your dealing with. Egypt is hard up for tourism, and I'm surprise that she would even cancel your tour. I've been living in the Middle East for over 15+ years, and from my experience, I would find another agent. Good luck.

This sounds like a company I have heard of (GG?). Typical ploy. If deposits really were made, which is quite doubtful, they can easily be returned. Save mor headaches and find another company ... there are a LOT of very reputable companies out there.

Kick them in to touch.
If you get that kind of reaction what will they be like if you have a problem.

SR

A big shakran to all who responded. You have made me feel much better. It is such a terrible feeling to know you have offended someone but perhaps this was a blessing in disquise. We have been so excited to explore Egypt and this has just been a horrible turn of events. We will press on, as Egypt has always been on the top of places to see for us.
Thank you for taking the time to respond.

<<I have a problem dealing with someone that hold anger towards us>>

Listen to your instincts.

Wow... Small world,indeed. I had just read your same post on the Lonely Planet talk forum. Sounds like the advice is similar, no matter who you talk to. I agree that if the tour company is already giving you problems and lacking any understanding, you are better off going with someone else. Have a fun trip!

I would say run and run fast. Did you read answer to your other post?

Author: 2families
Date: 03/24/2006, 06:40 am
I am looking for some references for Best Way Travel in Egypt. I haven't heard of anyone who has used them. Can anyone help me out?
Thank You

Author: z
Date: 03/25/2006, 09:37 am
My parents booked their trip with them but for some reason their trip has been canceled two weeks before a trip. There was no apology or explanation. They went with another tour operator from Egypt and were very pleased. Can you imagine to find out two weeks before your international trip it has been canceled? They are still waiting for their deposit back and that was almost six months ago.

Hello my dear person. I'm glad most of your replies told you the right thing - run away from this tour co.! The person who dealt with you sounds like a schizophrenic! Everyone has the right to check out a tour before paying our good money. As you say, it's been a blessing in disguise for I hope you found ANOTHER tour and probably enjoying it even more! I don't agree that it was your mistake...it was THEIRS because of a faulty business English. They should know that as a business it's THEIR responsibility to make their signs properly clear. Do enjoy your trip!!! Adela

P.S. I'm going to Israel in June! ;o)

Dear 2 families

First of all I have to tell you that i am in travel business as tour operator. Second, if any one will check about my company reputation i will never feel ofended, this is your right to make sure that you will spend your vacation in the right time, right place with the right people. The most important point question is; did you get into any commetment with this tour or not, as long as was just an inquiry for the tour you do not have any obligation and you have the right to cancel. Forget about it and spend your vacation with the people that you will think that they will serve you in the right way. Best of luck

2 families, how was your trip to Egypt?

Dear Adela2... its uncalled for to use the word Schizophrenic when talking about someone who is not mentall ill. Mental illness is a disease like any other. There is enough stigma about being ill without using the word to call names.
I would say the tour operator in question was a poor buisness person and 2 families did well to use another company.