Universal’s Recession Special: Refund for Travelers Who Get Laid Off

With the global recession still weighing down on consumer spending and travel, Universal Orlando on Tuesday introduced new promotional packages that include protections for travelers who get laid off before they leave on vacation.

Under Universal’s “Vacation Stimulus Offer,” travelers who book a three-nights-or-longer package through Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations will get free travel insurance that entitles them to a full refund if they are forced to cancel their trip because of job loss.

Guests must book their vacations by June 30, for travel through Oct. 8.

Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said it is the first time Orlando’s No. 2 theme-park resort has offered complimentary travel insurance as part of a vacation deal. It is also the first time the resort, which has long sold travel insurance, has included involuntary job-loss coverage.

Such protection has become an increasingly common tactic for companies struggling to encourage consumer spending amid the worst recession in decades. The concept has been popularized by Hyundai and other carmakers, and time-share developers this spring persuaded the Florida Legislature to let them sell similar policies.

A spokeswoman said Walt Disney World sells travel insurance that includes job-loss coverage, though she said Disney does not offer the insurance for free in any discount package. A spokesman for SeaWorld Orlando said the resort gives full refunds to guests who cancel for any reason, provided they booked their packages directly through SeaWorld and that they cancel at least 72 hours in advance.

For the rest of Jason Garcia’s article…please go to the Orlando Sentinel

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