ITAA issues advice in advance of Hurricane Irma’s arrival in the Caribbean and Florida

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has issued advice to Irish holidaymakers travelling to the Caribbean and Florida as Hurricane Irma, a powerful category 5 hurricane, is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to parts of the Caribbean in the next 36-48 hours.

Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said, “Hurricane Irma is expected to hit a string of Caribbean islands before heading to Haiti and Florida over the next few days. Irish holidaymakers planning trips to the region are naturally very concerned and some of our members have received cancellations from their customers.”

“The ITAA is working with its members and affiliate partners across Ireland to support holidaymakers travelling to the region. Aer Lingus are offering customers the opportunity to change the date of their flights to or from Miami and Orlando airports, for dates departing between the 09th and 11th of September, +/- 7 days. Other airlines have not issued exact guidelines yet but we are expecting further announcements soon.”

“Cruise companies are also monitoring the situation on a daily basis with some changing or shortening their itineraries to avoid affected areas. We are not sure what the results of this storm will be yet but the Irish travel trade is working together to monitor the situation on a daily basis.”

Dawson concluded, “Our advice to Irish holidaymakers in the region or travelling soon is to keep in close contact with their travel provider or airline to establish if their holiday itineraries or flights are affected. They should also monitor news reports and follow the advice from local authorities.”

The ITAA also recommends that holidaymakers check the Department of Foreign Affairs’ website www.dfa.ie for further information before travelling and to download the TravelWise app, which is designed to help Irish citizens to stay safe and informed while travelling, living or working overseas.

The ITAA represents Ireland’s travel Industry, bringing together 100 travel agent members and 70 affiliate partners. ITAA members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland. All travel agent members are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and are fully bonded providing full financial protection for their customers.