A leading Welsh tour operator is canceling several trips to Italy over concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
Edwards Coaches, who organizes vacations in Europe and around the world, made the decision on advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The Llantrisant-based company, which has depots in South Wales, said it would cancel seven vacations in Italy which were due to leave in April and May, but would continue to monitor the situation with regard to vacations starting. of June.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Edwards would like to reassure our customers that we are closely following the Foreign and Commonweath Office (FCO) for the latest travel advice in Europe and the UK.
“On March 9, the FCO updated its advice against all but essential travel to Italy due to an ongoing coronavirus outbreak in accordance with various checks and restrictions imposed by Italian authorities.
“We have therefore taken the decision to cancel these holidays in Italy initially until the end of May 2020.
“The health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance and their well-being is at the forefront of all decisions we make now and in the future.”
04/11/20 at Lake Garda
05/09/20 Grand tour of Italy.
05/09/20 Tuscan coast.
05/09/20 Venetian shore
05/16/20 Lake Como (both hotels)
05/23/20 Italian Riveira
05/30/20 Tuscany and the Island of Elba.
Edwards, which also provides buses for school transport and for the Wales rugby and football teams, has depots in Abercynon, Wattstown, Barry, Newport, Cardiff, Llanelli and Llansamlet in Swansea.
(Image: Ben Evans Agency / Huw Evans)
The company said that customers who booked one of its canceled Italian holidays would receive a full refund, or if they wanted to transfer their reservation to another holiday, they would receive a 15% discount.
Neath-based travel company DJ Thomas said they did not cancel their planned holiday excursion to Lake Garda in June.
While Cardiff-based Leisuretime said its tours to Italy were not leaving until June and the company would continue to monitor the situation.
No one was available from Midway Motors in Pembrokeshire to comment on their planned trip to the Italian island of Sardinia next month.
