I have several friends and at least one relative stuck in exotic places and currently unable to return by plane to the UK.
I have to say that after a 10 day business trip to Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong I would NOT find it hard to chill for a few days on the company's dime in a 5* hotel in HK. A short unexpected extra vacation albeit without the family does not strike me as a major hardship. I could be a tourist.
I have more sympathy with my self-employed friends stuck in alRiyadh and Jeddah in KSA though. Not only are they losing fees but they're not even able to go down to the bar and get thoroughly sloshed. Bugger! But at least I assume the insurance will cover any additional costs though it won't replace the fees. But again, if the clients back home are reasonable they'll understand and reschedule. After all they've probably got people of their own in the same boat.
Some years ago I went to a company conference in Silicon Valley. It finished on Thursday and the following Tuesday I was, with a coupe of my staff, scheduled to attend a meeting in SF. We were offered a choice of going home and flying out again on Monday or staying over. My colleagues all went home. I stayed over. Company was paying for a hotel and a rental car. And I got me a free 4 day vacation in Death Valley and a side trip to Vegas. Made me realise there are SOME benefits to being an employee, sometimes.
And no I am not insensitive to the needs of the less fortunate travellers. I know some tour groups are stuck in airports and that some individuals can't really afford to chill out in a 5* hotel at company expense.
But surely all the more reason for those who can to enjoy their good fortune.
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