TRAVEL CASH REFUND BEING REFUSED

I had signed up to send my daughter on a Euro tour as part of a cultural school tour, due to take place in June 2021 and have been paying a monthly installment to a travel agent. When Covid hit, my salary was reduced and with the great financial constraints that came along with this, I was forced to cancel the trip last month as I am just no longer able to afford the payments. I have fallen behind with school fee payments and with the school policy around the trip being that the student will not be allowed to travel unless school fees are up to date I had no other choice but to cancel and prioritize other financial responsibilities.

The agent contract states that there will be a cancellation fee to the value of the deposit which is R6000 which I accept as this was in the contract but over and above this fee, I am being refused a refund of the balance and being told to accept a travel voucher.

A travel voucher unfortunately is of no use to me. My daughter is but only 17. Where would she travel to on her own (only to an overseas destination as per travel voucher restrictions) and/or where would I get funds to travel with her if I am not even able to complete payment for the trip. I am also told that should i not make use of the voucher within 2 years then only can I request a refund, this is a pretty long time to wait for a refund.

As a single struggling mother, I want a refund which is being refused.

While I understand that Covid has hit the travel industry hard, it has been devastating to some individuals as well. I would think that a company that is as big as they say they are would be more sympathetic to my request.

Due to my experience I will definite refer Travel and Sport to anyone in the future.