Pandaw is Back!
By Heidi Sarna
Ted and I were so thrilled when we read Pandaw’s company update this morning.
Due to overwhelming support since Pandaw announced in October (2021) they were shutting down, Pandaw has just announced they in fact will be able to continue operating.
Pandaw is back! * Photo: Heidi Sarna
We couldn’t be happier.
Here is the full statement from Pandaw:
Pandaw Company Update —December 2021
17th December, 2021
Pandaw are delighted to announce that they have now secured funding to see them through to September 2022, when they anticipate restarting operations on Asian waterways.
Following the announcement last month that Pandaw would close due to lack of funds, as a result of Covid-19, the company was inundated with hundreds of goodwill messages from regular passengers. In addition, several would be investors emerged keen to acquire this iconic brand.
The Strachan family, who own Pandaw, have managed to secure further finance to cover the lay-up and vessel refurbishment costs for a restart next Autumn. They plan to keep the business in the family and relaunch marketing activity as soon as all remaining travel restrictions have been lifted.
Pandaw Founder, Paul Strachan remarked: “if it were not for the incredible support from the members of the Pandaw community, with so many kind words evoking memories of incredible experiences with us, I think we would have thrown in the towel. A big thank you to all our supporters for raising morale after nearly two years of hell”.
Bookings for season 2022/23 have been strong and many departures sold out with bookers cancelled by Covid using their credits to rebook. Many new bookers have taken advantage of the USD100 deposit scheme that reassures against the risk of further cancellations.
Meanwhile, Pandaw’s destinations are reopening with India, Thailand and Cambodia are open now to vaccinated travellers. Parts of Laos and Vietnam will be accessible in January 2022 as a first step towards fully reopening later in the year.
Kind regards
RELATED: Heidi & Ted’s recent Pandaw Tribute has now become a Celebration of Pandaw!
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HEIDI SARNA
