Please read this document carefully. By booking a trip with us, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions.
AGREEMENT
The terms and conditions set forth below (the “Terms” or “Agreement”) establish the entire understanding and agreement between you the trip “Participant” and Al-Qasim Travel &Tours, its owners, employees, affiliated entities, agents, representatives, officers, directors, associates, successors and assigns (individually or collectively “Al-Qasim Travel & Tours,” “we,” or “us”) with respect to any and all bookings, trips or transactions made with Al-Qasim Travel & Tours.
By completing this booking form you agree to these Terms and allow us to perform services on your behalf. All persons named in this booking (“Participants”) are subject to this Agreement. By signing these Terms, you confirm that you have made all other Participants listed in the booking aware of these Terms – regardless of how final payment is made – and that all Participants accept these terms.
RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
Reservations: All bookings must be made through our online system. This is to ensure that you understand and agree to these Terms. A booking is not final until you receive a final confirmation from us.
Deposits: A nonrefundable deposit of 30% of the total trip cost is due at the time of booking to guarantee your reservation unless stated elsewhere, in which case you can make a tentative booking at no cost. Note: Your booking is not confirmed until you receive a personal email from us telling you that we were successful in making the necessary arrangements for your trip such as booking your accommodation. Note: this is a separate email from the confirmation email that you will receive shortly after you’ve paid the deposit. Please do not book flights or make other travel arrangements until we have confirmed your booking.
The remainder of your payment is due before the tour departure. The tour price is per person. It includes the items listed in the itinerary. A single/Triple room supplement may apply and must be requested at the time of tour booking. Group sizes are subject to a maximum and a minimum, which varies by tour.
Payment is made either through our booking system or via bank transfer. Note: Al-Qasim Travel & Tours bank account is in Sultanate of Oman. You are responsible for all fees incurred to make the transfer.
If the requested tour is not available, you will not be charged, but offered an alternate trip with Al-Qasim Travel & Tours or one of its affiliates, if available. You can choose to either accept or decline this trip.
The first 30% deposit will be deducted from the final amount due which will be determined on the day of final payment prior to the tour’s start date to allow for any change or addition to services.
Final Payment: Final payment is due prior to the tour’s departure. Customers are responsible for any bank fees associated with wire transfers/bank transfers. Please note that debit cards are NOT accepted.
Payment is due in the currency indicated on the tour. This is usually OMR “Omani Rial”.
If we do not receive payment about your intentions to pay prior to the tour’s departure, your reservation will be cancelled and you will be subject to the cancellation terms below.
Last-Minute Bookings: While we will try to accommodate/honor your request, we reserve the right to refuse any booking received within 24 hours of the tour start date for any reason whatsoever.
For Travel Agents: Agents may book for their clients the online booking form. Agents are required to make their clients aware of these Terms and Conditions prior to booking and post booking and handle all communications with the client. Agents assume all responsibility for transferring all travel related information and any communication concerning their client’s tour.
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation: Once your initial 30% deposit is received, a reservation confirmation is made, and the outstanding payment is due 24 hours prior to tour departure. If you wish to cancel your tour, you must submit your request to us in writing by email. The following costs are incurred for a cancellation before the tour start date:
- 7+ days before: 30% of the tour price (+30% of any additional services/products ordered)
- 7- days or less, before: the entire tour/accommodation/transfer price becomes non-refundable, (+100% of any additional services/products ordered)
Al Qasim Travel & Tours shall bear no costs for the customer’s cancellation. If additional costs were incurred by Al-Qasim Travel & Tours, the customer is liable for these costs in addition to the costs indicated above.
Tours are transferable 7+ days in advance. If you need to cancel but can find someone to take your place we will allow this at a cost of 30% of the total cost tour.
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS CANCELLATION. This includes reasons related to weather, injury, lack of physical condition, terrorism, civil strife, personal, family or medical emergencies or any other conditions, except for force majeure, beyond our control. For this reason, we strongly encourage participants to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
Force Majeure
A termination of the contract due to force majeure is carried out in compliance with the Oman statutory regulations outlined by the MOT Section 651j.
Changes
If you wish to make a change to your tour itinerary, you must submit your request to us in writing by email. If a change is possible – it may not be in all circumstances, any modification of dates or alteration of itineraries by you will incur an administration fee. Fees vary according to the type of the change. Our partners often impose additional fees or penalties for changes and cancellations. These are included in the change fee and can be substantial. A minimum change fee of 5.00 OMR per person applies to any change.
Pre-Departure Cancellations or Changes by Al-Qasim Travel & Tours
We reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. While it is highly unlikely, in the event of cancellation, you will be issued a full refund, which represents full settlement. In the event that, prior to departure, we make any significant changes because of a problem with a supplier, for example, a partner bankruptcy, we will notify you of available alternatives if available. Such changes may require a supplemental payment from you or entitle you to a refund.
No Reimbursements Due to Changes or Cancellations
We will not reimburse Participants for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, other travel or hotel expenses due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations. For this reason, we strongly encourage Participants to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
RESPONSIBILITY
We act only as an agent or intermediary for the various independent suppliers that provide accommodations, meals, transportation, sightseeing, activities or other goods and services associated with your tour (“Supplier” or “Suppliers”). As a result, we assume no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier, or of any other person or entity. A Supplier’s services are subject to the Supplier’s own terms and conditions and the local laws and regulations of the relevant country. We will not provide any refund for a Supplier’s delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, or for elements of the tour that you do not use.
PERSONAL PROFILE RECORD
Al -Qasim Travel & Tours shall utilize the personal profile record submitted by the Participant to enable AL-Qasim Travel & Tours to consistently identify, respond and make all necessary arrangements with respect to airlines, sea trips, hotel, and other passenger travel services.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All our tours are insured and the price of the tour do include a full insurance. However it does not include travel insurance. Travel insurance is highly recommended, and a requirement for many of our tours for each participant. We strongly recommend that all Participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes: trip interruption, baggage, emergency rescue, accident/life and other expenses which might arise as a result of a loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to Participants. World Nomads is our preferred partner, but you are free to choose protection through the insurance company of your choice.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Pre-departure Documentation: After we receive your final payment, you will receive by email your itinerary, and general information about your tour. Please read these documents thoroughly as soon as you receive them. Contact your travel agent or us immediately if any information seems to be incorrect or if you have any questions. We cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracy in any document within 10 days of us sending them to you or your travel agent.
Passports and Visas: You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary travel documents are valid and effective and in your possession for the entire tour and that you meet the entry requirements of that particular country BEFORE booking the tour. Al-Qasim Travel & Tours will inform all European Union passport holders of the passport, visa and health regulations. All other travelers should check with their Consulate on the requirements. When travelling abroad, ensure that your Passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. You are responsible for passport requirements, and we suggest you plan early to apply for or renew a passport. Other compulsory documents may include visas, permits, and vaccination certificates. You assume complete and full responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements. You are also solely responsible for any adverse consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. While we may provide information or advice on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, etc. in good faith as a courtesy to you, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided.
TOURS AND EXCLUDED ITEMS
Check each tour description to see what each trip includes. Self-guided and guided trips vary on what is included. Our tours do not include trip costs such as airfare, trip and/or excess baggage charges, or any personal items. Meals apart from those mentioned in the itinerary are excluded, as well as any unpaid optional tour or sightseeing event. Drinks are typically included. Tips (optional) are also excluded.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Our tours are physically active on medium average. The demands vary depending on the specific itinerary, ranging from moderate to physically challenging. As a result, good physical and mental health is critical for pleasure and safety of our tours. By agreeing to these Terms, you certify that you do not have any physical, mental or other conditions that would create a hazard for you or other Participants or affect other people’s enjoyment of the tour.
HOTELS, MEALS AND TRANSPORTATION
Hotels: Most of our tours include accommodation from the point of tour departure through tour completion. Check the individual tour description for information about your accommodation.
Meals: Some meals may be included, but this will vary depending on the trip. Check the individual tour description for meal information.
Transportation: Transportation is included on your trip. Check the individual tour description for information about transportation. For some tours, you will have the option of having your bags transported or carried for an additional fee.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
If you rent equipment (i.e. bicycle, tent, sleeping bag, snorkeling or fishing gears etc.), you are responsible for it once you take possession of it. Your responsibilities include any costs for damage or theft up to the full value of the item rented.
Al-Qasim Travel & Tours is not responsible for any loss or damage to any luggage or property. They are considered the responsibility of the Participant at all times, even when left at the accommodation, carried by transfer companies or left in storage during your tour.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS
You are responsible for your own safety while on your self-guided tour and are expected to be able to self-access your ability for the tour and to use your judgment in the case of bad weather, or other circumstances. All information provided is to the best of our knowledge and should be considered as a guide, not as a substitute for experience.
Times and distances quoted are approximate and based on an average pace. They do not account for different walking/cycling speeds nor for stop and rest times. While we are there to provide support if required, you are expected to be self-sufficient Al-Qasim Travel & Tours and any accompanying partners with the tour cannot be held responsible for any accident or mishap that may occur on the self-guided tour.
EMERGENCY SERVICE
Each self-guided tour includes an Emergency Service, which is a local contact available by telephone with English speaking staff. Examples of reasons to call: broken down equipment (other than a flat tire); minor injury/illness that hampers or prevents continued cycling or hiking, (serious injuries must first be reported to emergency medical responders – numbers are provided), missed trains/connections that would change your services. This service will be available daily on your trip, and in some cases is available 24/7 on your trip. You will receive information on this service when you receive your trip documents.
CLAIMS AND COMPLAINTS
If you have a problem or something does not meet your expectations, you punctually notify the Emergency Service (for self-guided tours) or tour leader (for guided tours) so that they can attempt to correct the issue. Failure to do so while you are on the trip will either terminate your ability to claim compensation or greatly reduce it from Al-Qasim Travel & Tours. In addition, if you make any changes on your own without informing the Emergency Service (self-guided tours) or your guide (guided tours), you assume responsibility for any additional costs incurred as well as forfeit any potential refunds.
If satisfaction is not reached through this notice procedure during the trip, you must submit a further complaint in writing via email to Al-Qasim Travel & Tours within 30 days of the end of the tour. Al-Qasim Travel & Tours will not accept any liability for claims received after this period.
AIR AND CAR RESERVATIONS
We do not handle air or car rental reservations. You are responsible for all costs or issues incurred and booking these if required.
FLEXIBILITY
You understand that the amenities, lodgings, type of transport, route, schedule, and itinerary may change without prior notice due to local circumstances or events, which may include illness, strikes, political disputes, weather, border crossing problems, and other unforeseeable factors.
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES DURING TOUR
Tour Start Date: It is your responsibility to be ready to go at the departure point at the specific tour departure day and time. We are not responsible for any losses due to cancelled or missed flights, changed flight itineraries, late arrivals, or early departures. We highly recommend that you arrive 1-2 days early to avoid missing your tour start date, in case of one of the aforementioned events.
Compliance with Local Laws and Tour Etiquette: You are responsible for not limited to: strictly complying with all local laws, respecting customs and culture, evaluating your abilities, respecting other trip members’ privacy, and if on a guided trip, following the advice of the guide. On guided tours, the decision of the local guide or local supplier is final on all matters that may threaten the safety or interfere with the welfare of the group or individual travelers. During the tour, we have the right to remove anyone who we a) judge to be unable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the tour activities; or b) determine to detract from others’ enjoyment of the tour. If you are removed from the tour for one of these reasons, no refund will be given.
IMAGES AND MARKETING
You agree that we may use and reproduce any images, photos or videos that you send to us, or that are taken by our guides and/or other travelers of you individually or in a group, in any medium, including but not limited to print, electronic media, or Internet, free of charge and without your right to inspection, for promotion and publicity purposes worldwide.
PRIVACY
All information you provide to us in booking your trip will be kept in a confidential manner. It will not be disclosed or sold to other any third parties for any purpose beyond what is needed obtain your travel arrangements with our suppliers or as required by law. Credit card information will be destroyed or deleted from our files, but we will save mailing information and past travel information. You may receive mailings from us occasionally unless you ask to be removed from our mailing list.
LIABILITY
Al-Qasim Travel & Tours contractual liability for damage excluding bodily injury shall be limited to triple the tour price per Participant assuming that the damage was neither caused intentionally nor from gross negligence.
Limitation of Remedies: You agree that the sole remedy for any default by Al-Qasim Travel & Tours resulting from under these Terms shall be triple the tour price. To the maximum extent permitted under Oman law, Al-Qasim Travel & Tours shall not be liable for any special, consequential, indirect, incidental or other damages arising out of these Terms, including lost profits, whether such damages arise in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, in equity, at law, or otherwise, even if Al-Qasim Travel & Tours has been advised of the possibility of such damages. You explicitly waive any right it may have to recover such damages. The previously stated terms do not apply to Al-Qasim Travel & Tours if there is gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Severability: In the event that any provision of these Terms shall be unenforceable or invalid under Oman law, such unenforceability or invalidity shall not render the Agreement unenforceable or invalid as a whole. Such unenforceable provision will be replaced with one that is valid and enforceable and which achieves, to the extent possible, the original objectives and intent of the original provision.
Successors and Assigns: These Terms shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Al-Qasim Travel & Tours and the Participant and their respective heirs, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns.
OTHER PROVISIONS
Law: The entire legal and contractual relationship between Al-Qasim Travel & Tours and the Participants shall be exclusively governed by Oman Law. Any legal proceedings shall take place in Sultanate of Oman.
Updating of Terms and Conditions: Al-Qasim Travel & Tours reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at any time, and it is your responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions can be found on our website.
Merger: This Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive statement of the parties’ agreement on the matters contained in this Agreement. It supersedes all previous negotiations and agreements.