Sir Richard Branson may be on the brink of controlling the National Lottery, as well as running his own airline and a massive business empire, but he can't control the weather. The Virgin boss was a high-profile victim of Hurricane Debby, the first big tropical storm to hit the Caribbean this year.
While the future of the Lottery was being decided Branson was stranded on his private island of Necker. Presumably he had no trouble getting himself on the first available flight home, but what happens to the ordinary holidaymakers who get caught up in extreme weather conditions?
Most tour operators have a hurricane contingency plan which clearly sets out their policy in the event of a tropical storm. Package holidaymakers whose travel plans are disrupted will be offered an alternative holiday or, if this is not possible, a flight home and possibly a refund.
Only a handful of clients on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands were affected by last week's storm. Caribtours relocated one couple staying at Biras Creek to a nearby island.
British Airways Holidays announced its Hurricane Protection policy at the start of the summer season. In the event of a hurricane, holidaymakers are offered the option of returning to the UK or transferring to another holiday of equal value at no extra charge. All customers will also be offered 10 per cent off their holiday cost in vouchers to be used against future travel with British Airways Holidays.
Independent travellers do not get the same protection and could find themselves footing the bill if extra nights' hotel accommodation are required due to delayed flights. Many travel insurance policies will not cover delays or expenses incurred by a hurricane as it is classified as an act of God.
The hurricane season is officially from June to the end of October, but the most likely time for a hurricane to hit is late August or September. Brochure prices tend to reflect this fact with some of the cheapest deals being available in these months.
Islands that have borne the brunt of tropical storms in recent years are Antigua, the Virgin Islands and the Leeward Islands such as St Kitts and Nevis. Historically, Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and Cayman Islands have remained relatively unscathed.
Caribtours managing director Catherine Leech said: 'Most people are pretty clued up as to when the hurricane season is. But it's difficult to warn people specifically about hurricanes when they are booking, as there is no real pattern to the season. Last year Hurricane Lenny took everyone by surprise in November.'
