
In collaboration with
WELCOME
9th International Weed Science Congress (IWSC)
From IWSS President
Dear Friends and Colleagues
On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), it gives me an immense pleasure to invite you to participate in the forthcoming 9th International Weed Science Congress (IWSC) ‘’Weed Science – Meeting the Challenges of Global Food Security’’ that will
take place from December 1-5, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel.
The Board of Directors of International Weed Science Society (IWSS) together with the LOC are collaborating with the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), to offer an up-to-date scientific program including oral presentations and posters covering the most important challenges in weed science today. Well renowned world scientists will be invited to discuss a wide range of topics and sessions to generate useful recommendations to overcome World Food Security Challenges in the time of ‘Global Heating’.
In keeping with the traditions, there will also be optional workshops and training courses before the congress starts, and you are welcome to propose topics. In addition, professional excursions encompassing the advanced Israeli agriculture, combined with touristic attractions are planned which will accommodate both scientists and accompanying persons to join and enjoy the congress.
We would like to emphasize that the congress is open to weed scientists from all over the world. In addition, there will be a specific program for budding weed scientists (students) during the congress.
Jerusalem is the holiest city for all the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) visited by >3.5 million tourists every year from all over the globe and boasts of > 50 Christian churches, 33 Muslim mosques, and 300 Jewish synagogues in the
city to mesmerize the guests.
Israel is not only the most advanced country in the field of agriculture applying artificial intelligence, but also in other streams of science as well. The LOC has the most experienced and world-renowned weed scientists who are trying hard to have a memorable congress.
We look forward to your wholehearted participation in the 9th IWSC - a unique opportunity to further scientific pursuits and tourism recreations.
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Warm regards,

Samunder Singh, IWSS President
From the Local Organizing Committee
Dear Friends and Colleagues
It gives us great pleasure to announce that the IWSS Board has decided the 9th International Weed Science Congress (IWSC) will be held December 1-5, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Please save the date. All nationalities are all welcome!
The IWSS Board and Local Organizing Committee are planning to establish a Scientific Program Committee (SPC), to offer an up-to-date scientific program including oral presentations and posters covering the most important and innovative issues in weed science. We will invite well renowned scientists to lead the wide range of topics and sessions.
In keeping with tradition, there will also be optional workshops and training courses before the congress starts, and you are welcome to propose topics. In addition, professional excursions encompassing the advanced Israeli agriculture combined with touristic attractions are planned, which will accommodate both scientists and accompanying persons to join and enjoy. We would like to emphasize that the congress is open to weed scientists from all over the world.
Geographically, Israel is a small country with vast diversity relating to architecture, archeological and biblical sites, from the Mediterranean coastal plain to mountains in the north and desert in the south. Israel’s history dates back more than 3000 years and is home to many different religions.
Jerusalem is Israel's capital and largest city both in population and size. A holy city for three of the world's major religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
The city of Jerusalem and the Weed Science Society of Israel look forward to welcoming you. We are excited to have you experience the modern and historical aspects, and more, that Jerusalem has to offer. The perfect setting to combine science with social.
Welcome to Jerusalem!
Warm regards,
IWSC 2024 Local Organizing Committee

Prof. Baruch Rubin, Chair

Prof. Hanan Eizenberg, Co-Chair
Committees
Local Organizing Committee
Baruch Rubin, Chair
Institute of Plant Sciences & Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Hanan Eizenberg, Co-Chair
Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Ramat Yishai
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Yuval Benyamini
VP R&D, Luxemburg Industries, Ltd
Lior Blank
Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion
Yaakov Goldwasser
Farmer & Scientist, Jezreel Valley R&D Center
Ittai Herrmann
Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Ran Lati
Past President, Weed Science Society of Israel & Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Ramat Yishai
Maor Matzrafi
President, Weed Science Society of Israel & Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Ramat Yishai
Zvi Peleg
Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Moshe Sibony
Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Tuvia Yaacoby
Weed Scientist, Mazkeret Batya
Ehud Yogev
Head, Global Herbicide Section, ADAMA
Scientific Program Committee
Paul Neve, Chair
Crop Sciences Section, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
Caio Brunharo
Applied Weed Physiology Laboratory, Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania, USA
Madonna Casimero
Senior Scientist-Agronomist, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines
Michaela Kolarova
Department of Agroecology and Crop Production, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
Maor Matzrafi
President, Weed Science Society of Israel & Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Institute, Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Ramat Yishai, Israel
Young Scientists Travel Award Committee
Do-Soon Kim, Chair
Vice-President, IWSS, Head, Laboratory of Crop Molecular Physiology and Weed Science, Department of Plant Science, Seoul National University, Korea
Baruch Rubin
Institute of Plant Sciences & Genetics in Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Te-Ming Paul Tseng
Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, USA

Paul Neve, Chair

Caio Brunharo

Madonna Casimero

Michaela Kolarova

Maor Matzrafi
General information

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Venue
Ramada Hotel Jerusalem
Ruppin Bridge at Herzl Blvd
Jerusalem 91033
Israel
Official Language
The official language of the Congress is English. Should there be a contingent of more than 100 participants from abroad, the Organizing Committee will arrange for simultaneous translation in the plenary hall.
Letter of Invitation
Upon request, the Secretariat will send a personal letter of invitation to participate in the Congress. It should be understood that such an invitation is only meant to assist participants raise travel funds or obtain a visa to enter Israel.
Visa
All bona fida participants are invited to attend. Participants need to check if a visa is required. We suggest that you check this with your travel agent or on the website of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The congress organizer can provide invitation letters to assist participants obtain visas. Delegates from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel are required to submit their entry applications in advance, no later than the end of August 2024. The congress organizer will assist with their visa application.
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Climate and Clothing
The weather in Jerusalem in December is cool with highs of 14°C during the day and cooler at night with lows of around 9°C. A warm jacket for the evening is recommended. Rain is a possibility. Clothing is informal for all occasions. Comfortable walking shoes highly recommended.
Travel information
Flights are available with El Al Israel Airlines as well as many other international carriers (there are around 70 airlines that fly into Tel Aviv). It is recommended to book your international air travel to/from Ben Gurion International Airport with your local travel agent and/or on the internet.
Ground transportation between Ben Gurion International airport and Jerusalem:
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As you will have a Congress app, you may want to write to your colleagues ahead of time and share a cab.
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Taxi Service: The cost for a one-way trip is approximately US$90 depending on the time of day and number of pieces of luggage. The trip should take between 50-60 minutes, depending on time of day.
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Nesher, shared transfer service is available from Ben Gurion Airport. There may be a waiting time as the driver only departs when there are 10 passengers. Rate – approximately US$18.
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Train: Take the train to Yitzhak Navon Jerusalem station (rate — approximately US$ 5).The ride takes about 26 min. The station is about a 15 min (1.2 km) walk to the Ramada Hotel. Alternatively, you can take the light rail (Jerusalem train) from the Yitzhak Navon station (fare — approximately US$ 1.50), which is just one stop away to Kiryat Moshe station. From there, it's a 6-minute walk (550 m) to the Ramada Hotel. Please note that trains and light rail services do not operate from Friday afternoon (approx. 15:00) through Saturday night (resumes at approx. 19:00) for the Sabbath. To access the train schedules please click here.
Important Notes
Personal travel, luggage and health insurance is recommended.
Please note that the organizers cannot be responsible for participants lacking appropriate insurance coverage in case of need.
All services are booked on the express condition that Target Conferences shall not be responsible for, and shall be exempt from any and all liability in respect of any damage, injury or accident, to any person or to his or her luggage or any other property, for any reason whatsoever.
About Jerusalem
Jerusalem draws large numbers of visitors (local and international) annually and has a well-developed tourism industry that makes the city a premier congress destination.
Jerusalem is
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sacred to the three monotheistic religions
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one of the most fascinating cities in the world
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a unique combination of ancient history, spiritual sanctity and colorful
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one of the oldest cities in the world with a history going back 4000 years
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easily accessible
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exceptionally visitor-friendly with a network of buses and a light rail system that connects one end of the city to the other
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Scientific Program
The organizers plan on 3 full days of sessions with plenary and parallel halls.
Tentative program will be posted closer to the time.
Program at glance
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Sunday, December 1, 2024
All day:
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Afternoon/Evening:
Registration
Welcome reception
Participate in optional tours
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Monday, December 2, 2024
All day:
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Exhibition
Plenary and parallel sessions
Afternoon/Evening:
Student event
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024
All day:
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Exhibition
Plenary and parallel sessions
Early evening:
AGM
Evening:
Optional visit to the Israel Museum (open till 21:00)
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Wednesday, December 4, 2024
All day: Professional Field Trips
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Evening
At leisure
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Thursday, December 5, 2024
All day:
Plenary and parallel sessions
Evening:
Congress dinner
Abstract Submission
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Deadline to submit: JUNE 10, 2024
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The abstract should contain details of the motivation and objectives of the study, a brief summary of methods used, including data and statistical analysis, a summary of the main results and their interpretation and brief conclusions that are supported by the results presented.
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Abstract submission is by topic. The presenter will be notified in due course whether the abstract has been accepted; and if for oral or poster presentation.
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All presenters must pre-pay their registration fee and need to present physically (there will be no zoom presentations).
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All submitted abstracts will be reviewed for acceptance based on their scientific merit.
Abstract topics:
• Chemical weed management
• Ecological weed management
• Herbicide resistance
• Integrated weed management
• Invasive weeds
• New technology for weed management 1: digital
• New technology for weed management 2: biotechnology
• Non-chemical weed management
• Parasitic weeds
• Plant-soil microbiome & weed management
• Socio-economics of weed management (+ extension)
• Weed biology
• Weed ecology, diversity & ecosystem services
• Weed genomics + weed adaptation
• Weeds & climate change
• Other
Submission Guidelines
• Abstracts must be submitted using the online submission link via the website.
Please do not fax, mail or email your abstract as it will not be considered.
• All abstracts must be submitted in English.
• The names and affiliations of all authors should be included in the abstract.
• Abstracts are limited to a maximum of 300 words (excluding title and affiliations).
• The abstract title is limited to a maximum of 25 words.
• Each presenting author may submit up to two abstracts
Abstract Changes
You can edit the abstract up until the deadline date, once it has been submitted.
Keep note of your username and password which will allow you to re-enter the system.
Registration
Registration will open soon.
Fees according to the World Bank Country Groups.
*Proof of student identification must be included with registration.
Fee for participants include:
• Congress material
• Entrance to sessions and the exhibition
• Coffee at breaks
• 3 lunches on session days
• Welcome reception (December 2)
• Excursion with lunch (December 4)
• Congress dinner (December 5)
Fee for accompanying persons include:
• Welcome reception (December 2)
• Excursion with lunch (December 4)
• Congress dinner (December 5)
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Payment
Payment for registration fees may be made by bank transfer*, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners). Registration fees must be pre-paid in full.
Bank Transfers should be made to the following account:
Target Conferences Ltd.
Bank Leumi
Ahad Ha'am Branch number 811
Account name: Target Conferences Ltd.
Swift: Lumiilit
Account number: 610500/25
IBAN: IL050108110000061050025
*Please ensure that the name/s of the participants and meeting name (IWSC) are clearly stated on the bank transfer.
Bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the payer and should be paid at source in addition to the registration fees.
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Cancellation Policy:
Notification must be received in writing and is applicable as follows:
Up to September 2 - Full refund less US$ 50 handling fee
Up to November 6 - 50% refund
As of November 7 - No refund
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Accommodation
Accommodation has been blocked at the venue hotel for congress participants as follows: The two (first) hotels are joined by an air-conditioned walking bridge.
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Accommodation must be booked via the congress website (details included on the registration form).
Option for sharing accommodation will be provided but not guaranteed.
The Ramada Hotel
(Congress venue)

Single room (one person) - US$ 230
Double room (2 persons) - US$ 250
Breakfast included
Check-in: 15:00. Check-out: 11:00
Rates are per room, per night
Israelis are subject to VAT
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​Executive rooms are available at a supplement of US$ 85 per night, per room. Please contact us if you would like to upgrade to an Executive room
The Royal Hotel
(Connected to the Congress venue by a walking bridge)

Single room (one person) - US$ 220
Double room (2 persons) - US$ 240
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Breakfast included
Check-in: 15:00. Check-out: 11:00
Rates are per room, per night
Israelis are subject to VAT
The Prima Park Hotel
(4 minute walk to the Congress venue)

Single room (one person) - US$ 145
Double room (2 persons) - US$ 150
Breakfast included
Check-in: 15:00. Check-out: 11:00
Rates are per room, per night
Israelis are subject to VAT
The Jerusalem Gate Hotel
(16 minute walk to the Congress venue)

Single room (one person) - US$ 145
Double room (2 persons) - US$ 150
Breakfast included
Check-in: 15:00. Check-out: 11:00
Rates are per room, per night
Israelis are subject to VAT
How to Book
Please submit your details via the online accommodation form which will be available soon.
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For any questions, please contact the organizers:
Target Conferences Ltd.
Email: iwsc2024.reg@target-conferences.com
Tel: +972 3 5175150, Fax: +972 3 5175155
Payment
Payment for accommodation reserved directly by Target Conferences is to be made at the time of booking. Payment may be made by bank transfer* or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners)
Bank transfers should be made to the following account:
Target Conferences Ltd.
Bank Leumi
Ahad Ha'am Branch number 811
Account name: Target Conferences Ltd.
Swift: Lumiilit
Account number: 610500/25
IBAN: IL050108110000061050025
*Please ensure that the name/s of the participants and conference name (IWSC) are clearly stated on the bank transfer. Bank transfer charges are the responsibility of the payer and should be paid at source in additional to the sum being transferred.
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Cancellation Policy:
Notification must be received in writing and is applicable as follows:
Up to October 31 - Full refund less US$ 50 handling fee
Up to November 21 - 50% refund
No refund as of November 22
Please note:
On-site changes (reduction in number of nights reserved will not be refunded)
Optional Tours
Before booking your optional tours, we suggest that you look at the program/choice of the Professional Tours in order to ensure that you are purchasing a different tour to that which you are taking as part of the program.
All of the following tours include pick up and drop off from the official congress hotel, entrance fees as per the itinerary, and an English speaking guide. Rates do not include water, food and beverage and tips for the guide and driver.
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Optional Tour A
Saturday, November 30, 2024
MASSADA AND DEAD SEA
Full day tour to the Judean Desert, Massada – the Zealots’ last stronghold against Rome and a ‘dip’ in the incredible, therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.
Approximate times: 08:00-17:30
Rate per person: US$125
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Optional Tour B
Saturday, November 30, 2024
NAZARETH AND CHURCHES AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE
Full day tour to the Galilee. Commence in the lower Galilee where you will visit the Church
of Annunciation in Nazareth. On to the Sea of Galilee for a visit to Capernaum and Tabgha. Time permitting, return via Yardenit Baptismal Site.
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Approximate times: 07:30-18:30
Rate per person: US$115

Photo courtesy of www.goisrael.com, by Itamar Grindberg

Photos courtesy of www.goisrael.com, by Dafna Tal
Optional Tour C
Sunday, December 1, 2024
JERUSALEM – THE OLD AND THE NEW
Full day tour. Start off atop the Mt of Olives for a detailed explanation about the Old City with the spectacular view of the Dome of the Mosque. Walk along Gethsemane and enter the Old City via the Dung Gate. See the Western Wall, some of the Stations of the Cross and visit the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Leave the Old City for a short drive to Mahane Yehuda, the fresh produce market in the New City.
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Approximate times: 08:00-17:00
Rate per person: US$110

Photos courtesy of www.goisrael.com, by Noam Chen
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Optional Tour D
Friday, December 6, 2024
NAZARETH AND CHURCHES AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE
Full day tour to the Galilee. Commence in the lower Galilee where you will visit the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth. On to the Sea of Galilee for a visit to Capernaum and Tabgha. Time permitting, return via Yardenit Baptismal Site.
Approximate times: 07:30-18:30
Rate per person: US$115
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Photo Credit: Goisrael.Com, Sea Of Galilee - Aerial Itamar Grinberg
Optional Tour E
Friday, December 6, 2024
MASSADA AND DEAD SEA
Full day tour to the Judean Desert, Massada – the Zealots’ last stronghold against Rome and a ‘dip’ in the incredible, therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea.
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Approximate times: 08:00-17:30
Rate per person: US$125

Photo credit: goisrael.com, Dead Sea Itamar Grinberg
All of the above tours based on a minimum participation of 15 and include pick up and drop off from the official congress hotel, entrance fees as per the itinerary, and an English speaking guide.
Rates do not include water, food and beverage and tips for the guide and driver.
Tours must be booked via the congress website (details on the registration form).
Should there not be 15 participants, comparable options will be offered.
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Tours are fully refundable until November 16, 2024 less U$ 30 handling fee
Accompanying Persons Tours (Optional)
A range of optional tours for accompanying persons is available to make your stay enjoyable and unforgettable.
All of the following tours include pick up and drop off from the official congress hotel, entrance fees as per the itinerary, and an English speaking guide. Rates do not include water, food and beverage and tips for the guide and driver.
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Optional Tour T1
Monday, December 2, 2024
EIN KAREM AND WINE TASTING
Depart the Ramada hotel for a short drive to Ein Karem a quaint village near Jerusalem,
with the magnificent church of John the Baptist. Continue to a private vineyard in the
hills of Jerusalem for wine tasting.
Approximate times: 09:00-12:30
Rate per person: US$100

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Optional Tour T2
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
NACHLAOT AND MAHANE YEHUDA
Enjoy an interesting morning by visiting one of the first neighborhoods built outside
of the walls of the Old City. Learn about the architecture, stories about the rooftops
and the general security of the area. Continue to the famous open air market with its fresh produce. Learn about the local vegetables and dietary habits.
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Approximate times: 09:00-12:30
Rate per person: US$70
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Optional Tour T3
​Thursday, December 5, 2024
TEL AVIV AND JAFFA
Today's tour will give us more of a cosmopolitan outlook where we will be able to see
the huge city built on the Mediterranean. Learn about the Sarona, the Bauhaus buildings
and visit Jaffa, one of the oldest ports in the world.
Approximate times: 09:00-13:30
Rate per person: US$90

All of the above tours based on a minimum participation of 15 and include pick up and drop off from the official congress hotel, entrance fees as per the itinerary, and an English speaking guide.
Rates do not include water, food and beverage and tips for the guide and driver.
Tours must be booked via the congress website (details on the registration form).
Should there not be 15 participants, comparable options will be offered.
​
Tours are fully refundable until November 16, 2024 less U$ 30 handling fee
Sponsorship