Cambodia air disaster puts discount packages in spotlight
SEOUL – Questions about the safety of discount package tours to Southeast Asia and China are on the rise in Korea following last week’s fatal plane crash in Cambodia.
The wreckage of the PMT Air aircraft was found in dense jungle on the northeast side of Kampot province’s Bokor mountain
All 22 passengers and crew, including 13 Koreans, perished on the flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville
The Antonov An-24 plane was also carrying three Czech passengers, and a crew made up of five Cambodians and one Uzbek pilot. ?
Korean website chosun.com says with tourism booming in Southeast Asia, some travel agencies were offering discount package tours in a bid to attract customers.
While the victims of the fatal crash each paid US$638 for what was intended to be a six-day, four-night Cambodia trip, similar packages could be had for much less, said Chosun.com
It is alleged that in order to offer bargain-basement prices the agencies sometimes contract with transportation companies that use older buses or planes, “and that is becoming a threat to the safety of tourists”.
Chosun said some travel agencies offer tours including food, accommodation and local travel for less than the cost of the plane ticket, but travellers often end up complaining of hidden fees and disappointing tours.
Ian Jarrett
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