Go Maldives Pvt. Ltd

Terms and Conditions

1. Before you book

2. Booking and paying for your holiday

3. If you want to change or cancel your holiday

4. If we have to change to cancel your holiday

5. On holiday

6. On return from your holiday

7. Go Maldives Web Site Copyright

Go Maldives Disclaimer

We try to ensure that the information contained on our web site is accurate and up to date. However, we recommend that you verify the information before acting on it. You can do this by mailing or calling the sales department at 960 326655 or by emailing to enquiry@gomaldives.com. There is no charge for the information presented on this web site, however, in return for allowing you to access this material, we require your acceptance that Go Maldives Pvt Ltd will not be liable for any actions you may take as a result of using this information.

Representative Services

currently provides a corporate Web site and the Go Maldives product (collectively, the "Site"). Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any new features that augment or enhance the current Site shall be subject to the Terms. Go Maldives assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, deletion, mis-delivery or failure to store any User communications or personalization settings. Content provided by Go Maldives is for informational purposes only.

1. Before you book

1.1 Choosing your holiday

We hope that your Go Maldives holiday will live up to your expectations so it is very important that you choose the right holiday for you. Space in our brochures and the Internet to give detailed information is limited and whilst our staff are always happy to advise this can only be an opinion. If you are unsure about the suitability of a locations etc., you must seek supplementary information, which can be obtained from libraries, tourist offices, Internet etc.

1.2 Hotel grading

We categorise all resorts and hotels as standard, medium and deluxe class to give a general guideline that has been provided by the resort or the hotel. However, standards can vary between hotels of the same class in different countries, and even in the same country. For example city hotels that often cater for business as well as leisure travelers may well have generally higher standards than a beach resort hotel where the whole atmosphere tend to be more relaxed. It is important to read the individual resort hotels description. A comparison of the per night shown in the price box against each resort hotel will also give some idea of how resort hotels in the same country are likely to compare in terms of general standards.

1.3 Single rooms

It is an unfair fact of life that single travelers often have to pay over the odds for a room, often up to twice the price each person in a twin room might have to pay. However note that the standard and location of single rooms is not always as good as that of twin/double rooms. On safari, excursions and touring holiday single rooms cannot always be guaranteed

1.4 Triple/Quad rooms

A third or fourth person sharing a room either shares existing beds or has an extra bed (which may be of camp bed style) placed in a double/twin room. Conditions may be cramped.

1.5 Booking a room for early arrival or late departure

Generally hotel rooms will be available between approximately noon and 3 pm, and are to be vacated between 10 am and noon, irrespective of your arrival or departure times, unless we have stated otherwise. Should you wish your room to be ready prior to noon on your day of arrival or available after 10 am for an afternoon or evening departure, it is possible to reserve the room at the time of booking at a cost no greater than the extra night price.

1.6 Special / Room upgrade/honeymoon/anniversary offers

When the offer of a room upgrade is mentioned in Go Maldives Website it is not necessarily an upgrade to the next category featured in our brochure or the internet, but usually an upgrade to the next category of room (not suite) available within the hotel or resort. We will of course do everything possible to arrange this, but it is not always possible to guarantee the provision of a double bed for honeymoon couples.

1.7 Passports/Visas/Health

You will need a full passport, valid for a period of at least 30 days beyond the date of your arrival, to the Maldives, this requirement may be different from other destinations. Some destinations also require visas. You should contact your GP or a specialist vaccination centre for details of the measures you will need to take prior to departure. (Contact consulate or high commission regarding visa/health requirements)

1.8 Health, Safety and Security abroad

We take the safety and security of our clients extremely seriously. If the local authorities advise that people should not visit a particular country, then we would act on this. However we are sure you appreciate from press and television coverage that the political, economic and social conditions in many of the countries we feature in this brochure are not as stable as it may be in Europe, USA and other developed countries. Sadly crimes against both people and their property are a fact of life the world over, and when in a foreign country it is very important to be extra vigilant and avoid drawing attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewellery, carrying expensive camera equipment etc. Travelers have the same responsibility for their personal safety and that of their possessions, as they do at home. We request that all hotels comply with the local regulations applicable in their country for health and safety but we cannot guarantee that these meet a particular country's standards and therefore urge that you undertake reasonable precautions to protect your family and yourself whilst on holiday. To make the most of your trip abroad we recommend that you check out with your respective foreign office/ministry.

1.9 Children on holiday

Offers are subject to availability of triple or quad rooms. Infants under the age of 2 years until the last day of stay will be applicable. Any charge for a baby cot in the room and food are paid by the guest direct to the hotel. Some locations, owing to their lack of special child or medical facilities are also not suitable for very young children but we would be happy to advise which hotels or resorts we think suit your requirements best. See the relevant price box where any specific minimum age restrictions are given.

1.10 Holiday Seasons

Most of the destinations we feature are available all year round. Some do have quieter 'off peak' periods when you can take advantage of uncrowded beaches and more personal attention from hotel staff at excellent prices. At this time it may be necessary for hotels to scale down the size of some of their facilities, such as restaurants, to match demand. Similarly, during peak periods hotels experience full occupancy which may result in a livelier atmosphere and slower service in busier facilities.

1.11 Public holidays

Virtually all countries have public holidays, religious or otherwise. The festivities may temporarily disrupt your holiday and some religious holidays such as Ramadan, which affects many Muslim countries, may result in a reduction of facilities and entertainment. Others are somewhat chaotic but great fun to be a part of. We suggest that you take this into consideration when selecting your departure date. The dates known to us at the time of going to press for 2002 are: Ramadan is 05 November 2002 approximately for one month Sinhala + Tamil New Year (Sri Lanka) 12-13 April Diwali (India) 14 November for 2001, and 04 November for 2002 We will be glad to provide you more information on request and also wish to advice you that appropriate Tourist Offices are happy to supply more detailed information.

1.12 Other hotel guests

Many hotels, especially in cities and major resorts, accommodate conventions and conferences. Also, at certain times of the year, some locations have an influx of groups such as students, associations or clubs. The hotels we feature are shared with guests from many countries with different cultures and customs. We have no control over the acceptance of bookings at the hotels we feature other than our own. We are therefore unable to accept responsibility for any limitation of facilities due to such groups or inconvenience that their activities may cause you, but would be happy to advise which hotels or resorts we think suit your requirements best.

1.13 Meals

Meals if included are based on table d'hôte menus, or a meal voucher system unless specified otherwise in the text. Holidays which include main meals generally commence with dinner on the day of arrival at your hotel and terminate with breakfast (on halfboard) or lunch (on fullboard) on the day of departure. No refunds on meals not taken can be given. Special diets of any kind (including vegetarian) can seldom be catered for adequately within the constraints of a table d'hôte menu and cannot be guaranteed. We would therefore strongly recommend that anyone with special requirements should arrange this separately. Supplements shown for optional meal plans offer you the opportunity of being able to budget for extra costs before you go. In some cases you may find the cost of the meal cheaper locally, however we regret that it will not be possible to refund the difference either during or after your holiday. If you have paid a half board supplement it may be possible in some hotels to ask for a credit from the table d'hote dinner to be used against a meal in an à la carte restaurant. However the value of the voucher will generally be considerably less than the half board supplement included in your holiday price.

1.14 Flight

Unless otherwise stated we do not provide flight booking and related service and is not included in our services and price. However we will be providing necessary information on the flight schedules and routes.

1.15 Special requests

Where special requests ie. diet, room location, a particular facility at a hotel etc. are an important factor in the choice of holiday, you must advise us when the booking is made. We are happy to pass your request on to the hotel but cannot guarantee that it will be accommodated.

1.16 If you are disabled

Go Maldives is happy to give you advice and to assist you in choosing a holiday that will meet your requirements. However, because of the nature of location, many lack even the simplest facilities such as ramps for wheelchairs, lifts etc. therefore in order to assist we must at the time of booking be provided with full details in writing regarding your disability and any special requirements as a result of this.

1.17 Excursion/Meal packages

Excursion , meal packages, diving etc.. which are offered are not always cheaper than buying the same arrangements locally It is often the case that these packages are offered for the convenience of being both booked and paid for. The cost of any unused tours within excursion packages may not be refunded.

1.18 Weather

World weather is becoming more erratic and unpredictable and we cannot be held responsible for disruption to your holiday due to bad or unusual weather conditions. For more details on the temperature and rainfall in our location, please see the weather of the relevant country.

1.19 Our Staff

We pride ourselves on the quality and friendly professionalism of our staff. In our search to continually try and improve our level of service, we are committed to ongoing training, part of which sometimes involves the recording of phone calls.

2. Booking & paying for your holiday

2.1 Your commitment to us

When you confirm a booking form you are confirming that you understand and have accepted these Terms and Conditions which form the basis of any contract between Go Maldives and yourself, which is subject to Maldivian Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Maldivian Courts. When booking your holiday, if you wish to make a modification to a holiday shown we will try to assist. Should you wish to change to an alternative featured hotel, this will be charged at the difference in published price, as long as Go Maldives holds the space required. If we have to make a special request for alternative or extra space, an administration fee of USD 50 per booking will be charged. Additional services will be quoted for upon request. Should you wish to extend your holiday making your own private arrangements, this can usually be done subject to an administrative charge of USD 10 per person per night.

2.2 Our commitment to you

Your contract is with Go Maldives Pvt Ltd. We will arrange to provide you with the various services which form part of the holiday you book with us. Before your booking is confirmed and a contract comes into existence we reserve the right to increase or decrease prices. (See Go Maldives Guarantee below). The booking is not accepted until the date shown on the invoice, which will be sent to you or your Travel Agent. It is only then that a contract exists between you and us.

2.3 Peak season supplements

During peak periods such as Christmas and Easter when demand totally outstrips the supply of accommodation, you may find that supplements are added to the cost of your holiday. The supplements may be for certain holiday accommodation on specific dates. They do not necessarily indicate that additional services such as Gala dinners will be provided. The cost of these supplements will be quoted to you at the time of booking.

2.4 Paying for your holiday

While making an online reservation, after you submit the booking request, you will be asked to pay by credit card through an internet secure payment service provider. Once the payment is realized the booking will be treated as confirmed and you will be notified with a booking confirmation number along with an invoice for the payment you have made. It is strongly advisable to print the invoice and carry along with you. The booking is not confirmed until an invoice is sent to you. It is only then a contract comes into existence between you and us.

2.5 Insurance

It is important that you have insurance cover and that it is adequate for your needs.

2.6 Travel information and documents

You should receive with your invoice a hotel voucher with details of your holiday covering the area/s you are visiting. We strongly recommend that you cross-check with your intended holiday and bring along with you and present to the hotel.

2.7 Go Maldives PRICE GUARANTEE - No Surcharge Guarantee

Before you make a booking we will give you the correct up to date price of your chosen holiday, including the cost of any peak season supplements, upgrades or additional facilities which you have requested. Once you have accepted this price and a booking has been made, that price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any surcharges. The price includes: o The services of Go Maldives resident representatives o Meals as shown under hotel and tour text. o Government taxes. o Transfers from airport/hotels and vice versa unless otherwise stated. NOT INCLUDED o Visa fees, airport taxes, overseas porterage, service charge, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication of the GoMaldives 2002 website o Transfers if not booked along with your hotel reservation.

3. If you want to change or cancel your holiday

3.1 Change or addition to your holiday

If you want to change any part of your holiday arrangements after the invoice has been issued, we will do our best to make the change, but it may not be possible. Any request for changes must be made in writing by the person with the reference code provided, who made the original booking, or his or her Travel Agent. If it is possible to make the change, it will be subject to an administration charge of US$ 50.00 per booking, and payment of any further costs incurred as a result of the change. Please note that save for the transfer of a booking (see below), or the addition of any offers made by Go Maldives which were not requested at the time of booking, it will not be possible to make changes.

3.2 Transferring of bookings

If you are unable to travel, in certain circumstances which we consider reasonable, we may allow you to transfer your booking to another party. However the arrangements must remain EXACTLY the same, and will only be allowed if all resorts/hotels, are prepared to accept the transfer. In cases where a transfer is allowed, an administration charge of US$ 75 per person outside 25 days of departure, and US$ 150 per person inside 25 days, will be made plus any charges that may be levied by resort/hotel.

3.3 Canceling your holiday

Generally resorts or hotels require a notice period. This varies from different resorts. Therefore we advice you to refer to the respective cancellation policy given against each individual resorts or hotel.

4. If we have to change or cancel your holiday

4.1 Accuracy

We rigorously check the information given about accommodation, resorts, etc., to ensure it is correct. However, please bear in mind that hoteliers, restaurateur's owners etc., may wish to maintain or improve their facilities, or even take a break themselves. Flight times and carriers are given for guidance only as there may be changes. Tour, excursion, cruise or safari itineraries may change as a result of local conditions. Circumstances such as these, or weather conditions, time of year etc., may cause some of the amenities we have described to be unavailable or different from those advertised. When we are told of any significant or long term changes we will always endeavor to advise you prior to your departure.

4.2 Building and Development Work

Many hotels and resorts are continuing to develop, sometimes rapidly and intensively and often with little or no advance warning. Whilst we have no control over such work, as a responsible Tour Operator, it is important to us that you are aware of any significant building/ refurbishment work that may be going on during your stay. General refurbishment at hotels is necessary to maintain standards but if we are informed of such work, we will endeavor to notify you of any activity as soon as possible, however near to your departure this may be.

4.3 If we change your holiday before your departure

We hope and expect to be able to provide you with all the services we have confirmed to you at the time of booking. We plan arrangements a long time in advance of your holiday using independent suppliers such as hotels, transfers, safaris etc., over whom we have no direct control. It is the case, that on occasions changes do have to be made, we reserve the right to make these. Most of these changes are minor. However, if we consider them a SIGNIFICANT CHANGE we will endeavor to advise you or your Travel Agent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time. We consider a SIGNIFICANT CHANGE to be one where there has been a change of resort, a change of accommodation to that of a lower category and/or price, In the case of your being advised of a SIGNIFICANT CHANGE before your departure we will provide you with three alternatives: 1. Accept the alternative offered (at additional cost if applicable). 2. Purchase another available holiday from us. 3. Cancel your holiday with a full refund of all monies paid.

4.4 Changes due to circumstances beyond our control

We will not be liable to pay any compensation if we are forced to cancel or in any way change your holiday as a result of situations outside our control which neither we nor our suppliers could foresee or forestall even with all due care. For example technical problems with transport, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or main charterer, the alteration of the airline or aircraft type, war or threat of war, civil strife, industrial disputes, natural disaster, bad weather, terrorist activity.

4.5 If we change your holiday accommodation

We do not control the day-to-day management of your accommodation, and in exceptional cases it is possible that we may be advised that the reserved accommodation is not available. If this happens before your departure or on arrival in resort we will endeavor to provide accommodation of at least the same standard in the same resort area. If only accommodation of a lower standard is available we will refund the difference of the price between the accommodation booked and that available.

4.6 If we cancel your holiday

We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your holiday for any reason. However we will not cancel your holiday within 25 days of departure unless it is for a reason outside our control (see changes due to circumstances beyond our control). If we have to cancel your holiday we will offer you:- 1. An alternative holiday of comparable type, though if the alternative offered is at additional cost, the difference will be payable by you, or 2. A full refund of all monies paid. The above offers will not apply where the cancellation by us arises out of non-payment or late payment on any part of the cost of your holiday, or for alterations requested by you within 25 days of departure, when cancellation charges will apply. To be referred and linked to cancellation policy.

4.7 Minimum numbers

Price boxes on relevant pages will indicate whether a particular holiday is subject to a minimum number of participants for its operation. We will advise you at least 25 days before departure if minimum numbers have not been reached. You will then have the choice of booking an alternative holiday with us, changing your departure date at the appropriate additional cost, or having a refund of monies paid [is this applicable?].

5. On Holiday

5.1 Our commitment to you for your holiday arrangements

We will accept liability for matters which arise as a direct result of breach of our contractual duties in making arrangements for you. Further we will not accept liability for any negligent act or omission of our suppliers whilst they are acting within the scope or in the course of their employment to provide any service or arrangement forming part of the holiday that you have booked with us, including any claim involving death, personal injury or illness.

5.2 Water/Electricity Supplies

In many of the less sophisticated destinations we feature, the water and electricity services struggle to keep up with the increased demands from tourism. Limited rainfall can put further pressure on their provision. Hotels do everything possible to maintain full services. However, occasional power cuts and/or water restrictions may be experienced.

5.3 Accommodation in the Resorts

Accommodation in the resorts. In many hotels, especially beach resorts 'insects' in the rooms (ie. cockroaches etc) are almost inevitable. It should by no means be taken as a sign of dirtiness, simply a fact of life in these destinations. Views from some hotel rooms may be partly obscured by palm trees and other vegetation that can grow very quickly in tropical climates.

5.4 Watersports and Other Activities

Many hotels offer watersports and other sporting activities, in some cases these may be free of charge. Please note that in the interest of your personal safety, the operators of these activities may require that you demonstrate your competence (for example a swimming test) prior to commencement and reserve the right to refuse participation for any reason if they feel this may compromise your or another guest's safety.

5.5 Behaviour

Most people go on holiday for rest and relaxation, so if in our reasonable opinion or in the opinion of any hotel manager, tour leader or other person in authority, your behavior is causing danger, damage to property or persistently affecting the enjoyment of others, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday. Should this happen no refund or compensation would be paid.

5.6 If you have a complaint while you are on holiday

If you have cause for complaint whilst on holiday, you must bring it to the attention of the Company's Local Representative or Agent and/or the hotel, who will do their best to rectify the situation. It is unreasonable to take no action whilst on holiday, but then to write a letter of complaint upon return. We regret we cannot accept any liability in relation to any complaint or problem if you fail to notify us strictly in accordance with this paragraph.

5.7 Conservation

It is becoming ever more important to conserve the world's natural resources, its landscapes, flora and fauna. Someone coined the phrase "Take only photographs; leave only footprints" and a number of countries now use this to promote conservation. It would be hard to improve on this statement.

6 On Return From Your Holiday

6.1 Questionnaire

We are committed to improving the standard of our holidays and it is only with the help of your feedback that we will be able to achieve our aim. We would therefore appreciate it if you would spend a few moments to write or by e-mail to Go Maldives Pvt Limited, 25 Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male', Rep. of Maldives.(email address admin@gomaldives.com) would also welcome and act upon any comments you would like to pass on to us.

6.2 If you had a problem

If a problem remains unresolved during your holiday, you should make a complaint in writing to Go Maldives within 21 days of the completion of the holiday. Please remember to quote your holiday booking number. We will reply to you within 30 days of receipt of your letter.

6.3 Jurisdiction

This agreement shall be governed by Maldivian Law and be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Maldivian courts.

7. Go Maldives Web Site Copyright

The copyright in the material on this web site rests with GO Maldives Private Limited and its suppliers. Your access to it does not imply a license to reproduce and/or distribute this information. This means that you cannot reproduce or distribute this information.