TUI forced to cancel number of Christmas holidays at short notice
TUI has confirmed that a number of holidays today and tomorrow have been cancelled – because of a lack of snow.
Holidays to Lapland have been affected by the unusual shortage, particular to Kuusamo.
Heavy rainfall has seen the snow washed away at some of the resorts, leading to the cancellations.
In response, a number of trips were cancelled.
TUI told Sun Online Travel”We’ve been closely monitoring the weather forecast in Kuusamo.
Unfortunately, there has been heavy rainfall today and what snow there was, has washed away.
“This means that regretfully it won’t be possible to operate the magical Lapland experience we had planned for you including tasters and pre-booked excursions.
“We understand how devastating this news will be and we are really sorry to have reached this outcome.”
Affected guests will be able to change their dates for no extra cost, either for this year or next Christmas.
Or they are offering 10 per cent off another holiday with a refund for the holiday if its most expensive.
Otherwise full refunds are also being offeed.
Other Lapland holidays haven’t been affected by the cancellations, with other resorts still having snow where needed.
This includes Rovaniemi, home to Santa’s Village.
TUI added that while there was “no snow at the hotel” it wouldn’t affect their activities.
They said: “For guests staying at Hotel Santa Claus and Arctic City Hotel in central Rovaniemi, we’d like to let you know that there is currently no snow directly at your hotel.
“However, this won’t affect your tasters or pre-booked excursions, which are held in areas where the winter conditions will allow you to fully enjoy your Lapland adventure.”
Last month, a mum revealed how she flew to Lapland just for the day with her son.
Donna Rudd travelled with her 13-year-old son Leo from Bristol to Kittila International Airport.
Arriving in Lapland at 1:30pm, they still fit in Santa meets, sledging, snow-mobiling and even both husky and reindeer rides.
The Sun visit Lapland
The Sun’s Louise Robert recently visited Lapland – here’s what she thought.
“Lapland was top of my 40th bucket birthday list.
“Heading to Tonttula Village, it’s is an absolute must for anyone visiting with little ones as you can make Christmas decorations at Elf school, bake gingerbread biscuits and listen to folk tales from the Wise Elf while crafting paper snowflakes.
“And that’s before we got stuck into the outdoor activities.
“We did everything petting Santa’s reindeers, tobogganing and snow tubing, plus there are private meetings with Father Christmas in his wood cabin.
“Make sure to try a Glogi while you’re here too – it’s an amazing Finnish mulled wine.”
While Donna said it wasn’t cheap – with the whole thing costing around £600, she said it was worth it.
She added: “I’d even go back as an adult without kids.”