Terms And Conditions
Company: White Shell Tours Ltd, Flic en Flac, Mauritius (“White Shell Tours”, “we”, “us”, “our”).
Scope: These Terms & Conditions govern your use of our website and any booking or service you purchase from us as a destination management company operating in Mauritius. By using the site or booking, you agree to these Terms.
1. Definitions
“Booking” means a request confirmed by us for services. “Client”, “you” or “your” means the person making the booking and all persons named on the booking. “Service(s)” includes transfers, accommodation, excursions, activities, events, and related arrangements. “Supplier” means a third party providing services (e.g., hotels, transport operators, guides). “Force Majeure” means events beyond a party’s reasonable control.
2. Eligibility & Contract Formation
2.1 You must be at least 18 and have legal capacity to contract.
2.2 A binding contract arises when we issue written confirmation after receiving payment or deposit as specified in your quotation or pro‑forma invoice.
2.3 By booking on behalf of others, you represent you have authority to accept these Terms for all travellers. You are responsible for all payments and communications.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Quotes are usually valid for the period stated on the quote; if no period is stated, pricing may change at any time before confirmation.
3.2 Special requests (dietary, accessibility, rooming) must be stated in writing before booking. We will pass them to Suppliers but cannot guarantee fulfilment.
3.3 Names, dates, flight details, and other information must match official documents. You are responsible for checking accuracy of all details on confirmations and notifying us immediately of errors.
4. Prices, Taxes & Surcharges
4.1 Prices are in Mauritian Rupees (MUR) unless stated otherwise and include taxes/levies applicable at the time of quotation, except where stated (e.g., resort fees, park fees, or city taxes payable locally).
4.2 We may levy a surcharge before full payment to reflect significant cost increases beyond our control (e.g., fuel, taxes, exchange). If the surcharge exceeds 8% of the total price, you may cancel for a full refund of amounts paid to us for the affected service.
4.3 Obvious pricing errors may be corrected and, if not acceptable to you, entitle you to a refund for the mispriced service.
5. Payments & Security Deposits
5.1 Deposits and due dates are specified on your pro‑forma. Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation with applicable fees.
5.2 We accept bank transfers and major cards via approved gateways. You are responsible for bank charges. Card payments may incur a processing fee where permitted by law.
5.3 Some services require refundable security deposits (e.g., villa rentals, equipment). Refunds are subject to Supplier inspection and timelines.
6. Changes & Cancellations by You
6.1 Change requests must be in writing. We will try to assist subject to availability and Supplier terms. Amendment fees may apply.
6.2 Unless your confirmation states otherwise, standard cancellation charges apply to the total booking value:
- 31+ days before service: refund less administrative fee (MUR 1,000 or 10%, whichever lower).
- 15–30 days: 50% refund.
- 0–14 days or no‑show: no refund.
6.3 Partially used services are non‑refundable unless otherwise required by law.
7. Changes & Cancellations by Us
7.1 We may make minor changes (sequence of activities, timing, equivalent accommodation) for operational or safety reasons.
7.2 If we must make a significant change or cancel, we will offer (a) a replacement of equal or higher value where available; (b) a replacement of lower value with a price reduction; or (c) a refund of amounts paid for the affected service.
8. Supplier Terms
8.1 Many services are provided by independent Suppliers with their own terms, conditions, and liability limitations. By booking, you agree to comply with applicable Supplier terms provided to you or available on request.
8.2 Supplier obligations remain their sole responsibility. We are not a carrier or accommodation provider unless expressly stated.
9. Conduct, Safety & Fitness
9.1 You must follow instructions from our staff, guides, or Suppliers and comply with local laws, customs, and safety guidance.
9.2 We may refuse service or terminate participation without refund if behaviour is unsafe, illegal, disruptive, or adversely affects others.
9.3 Some activities involve risks (e.g., hiking, water sports). You are responsible for assessing your fitness and medical suitability and declaring any condition that might affect safe participation.
10. Children & Minors
10.1 Age limits and child policies vary by Supplier. Proof of age may be required.
10.2 Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless otherwise permitted in writing.
11. Travel Documents & Check‑in
11.1 You are responsible for valid passports, visas, vaccinations, and entry requirements for Mauritius and any transit points.
11.2 Missed services due to documentation issues or late arrival are treated as no‑shows.
12. Insurance
12.1 Comprehensive travel insurance (medical, personal accident, baggage, cancellations) is strongly recommended for all travellers and required for certain activities. It is your responsibility to ensure coverage adequacy.
13. Liability & Indemnity
13.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total aggregate liability for claims arising from your booking shall not exceed the total amount paid to us for the service giving rise to the claim, except in cases of death or personal injury caused by our negligence or fraud.
13.2 We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses (loss of enjoyment, profits, or opportunity).
13.3 You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless against claims, damages, or expenses arising from your breach of these Terms, your misconduct, or inaccurate information provided by you.
14. Force Majeure
14.1 We are not responsible for failure or delay due to events beyond our control, including acts of nature, epidemics/pandemics, government actions, strikes, extreme weather, utility failures, or civil unrest. We will endeavour to reschedule or provide credits where feasible, subject to Supplier cooperation.
15. Intellectual Property & Marketing
15.1 The website content, itineraries, and materials are our intellectual property. You may not copy, distribute, or use them for commercial purposes without written consent.
15.2 With your consent, we may use non‑identifying photos or testimonials from your trip for marketing. You may withdraw consent at any time.
16. Data Protection
16.1 We process personal data in accordance with the Mauritius Data Protection Act 2017. See our Privacy Policy for details.
17. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
17.1 If you have a complaint during travel, notify us or the Supplier promptly so we can try to resolve it on the spot.
17.2 If unresolved, submit a written complaint within 14 days after the service. We aim to respond within 14 working days.
17.3 These Terms are governed by the laws of Mauritius. The courts of Mauritius have exclusive jurisdiction.
18. Miscellaneous
18.1 Severability: If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains in force.
18.2 No waiver: Failure to enforce a term is not a waiver.
18.3 Assignment: You may not assign your rights without our written consent.
18.4 Entire agreement: These Terms plus the booking confirmation constitute the entire agreement.
18.5 Updates: We may update these Terms at any time; the version on our website at booking applies.