Update for Students that were part of the 2009 Delegation

Dear Students and Family of the 2009 Hekinan Delegation,

As mentioned in our last communication we were holding out hope that the trip cancellation decision would prove reversible; however, unfortunately, it has not. This is most disappointing to us, and the Commission has been working hard to manage the ramifications of this decision, especially those financial. Despite numerous executive level conversations, we have been unable to move the airline or the travel agent to issue refunds, as they cite the tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Fortunately however, and most graciously, our Sister City Association in Hekinan has offered to assist with us refunding all fees paid in advance by our delegation.
As you can well imagine, the logistics of coordinating the refund between the two government entities is complex and will take time to process, but here is what we know now:
• You will receive a full refund of the fees you paid to the City of Edmonds to date. We will communicate the refund time line as soon as it is known.
• Since the refund is being provided by our Hekinan Sister City Association, Northwest Airlines will be holding a credit in your travelers' name which will be available for a destination and/or date change of your choice, pending airline and travel agent policies and restrictions.

As we look forward to next year’s activities, we are unable to foresee the landscape of international travel. If next year unfolds as we would like and we are able to send a delegation to Hekinan, we will be sure to contact you for your interest prior to announcing the trip to the public.

We apologize for any difficulties that this cancellation may have caused and hope to see your continued involvement with the Sister City Association. We recognize that you were looking forward to the trip, your furthering of cultural knowledge, and enhanced relationships with your fellow student travelers. Therefore, we will be working to provide you with local opportunities this summer for further interaction with your travel group. We will be in communication again soon.


Thank you,
Edmonds Sister City Commisioners