Safety measures are to be introduce across all G Adventures tours as part of a new ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme includes new social distancing and hygiene measures, which will be in place from the moment travellers join a trip until they depart.
The new policy encompasses transportation, where travellers eat, accommodation and activities on the ground.
The operator is also highlighting the importance of G Adventures’ small group tours, which helps to facilitate many of the new safety measures.
Increased training will be given to Chief Experience Officers [tour leaders] beyond first aid and safety training to ensure they are up to date with all new safety procedures and are able to assist travellers should they feel unwell while on tour.
They will use local knowledge to suggest restaurants with the strictest hygiene practices or those where travellers can reserve a table or room in advance.
Equipment used during activities will be subject to increased cleaning measures, while hand sanitizer will be provided wherever possible throughout trips.
Travellers will be encouraged to bring their own face coverings, be it buffs, facemasks or bandanas as well as personal hand sanitizer.
Increased hygiene protocols will also be included on the firm’s fleet of small, private vehicles and boats, with the introduction of daily deep cleaning, compulsory hand sanitizer use before every embarkation, assigned seats for travellers, and facial coverings being recommended while on board.
Additional cleaning will take place in high traffic areas on board boats and, to support physical distancing, travellers will be assigned seating during certain meal times.
On land itineraries, al fresco dining options and “grab and go” boxes are two new options being introduced as part of increased food safety.
Family style or self-serve buffets will be avoided and separate tables or dining areas will be offered wherever possible in restaurants.
Accommodation providers will be asked to introduce increased daily cleaning, with disinfection of surfaces inside rooms and extra cleaning on high contact areas such as light switches, door handles and TV remotes.
In addition, no hotel staff will be permitted to enter guests rooms once it has been cleaned to avoid contamination.
Those travelling solo and sharing a room will have the same roommate assigned for the entire trip wherever possible to support social distancing, t
Availability of solo rooms will be increased and more affordable ‘My Own Room’ rates offered.
Company founder Bruce Poon Tip said: “Our new Travel with Confidence policy allows us to reassure our travellers that when they are ready to travel again all the necessary procedures are in place to keep them safe on their adventure.
“G Adventures has always run small group tours which, by nature, mean our travellers have more freedom and space, even before social distancing came into play.
“Our incredible CEOs have been committed to delivering the best possible experience to our travellers around the world for 30 years. Their local knowledge, expertise and support will play a more important role than ever in helping travellers to feel safe while in destination, so they can focus on enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.”
He added: “We have always selected our accommodation, restaurant and food service partners based on their high standards and local roots and we are working closely with them to further optimize their health, safety and cleanliness procedures.
“This means our travellers can continue to experience these local gems, while feeling confident that their safety is being taken care of.”