The Specialist Journeys Group has put together an 11-point action plan to safeguard clients post-Covid 19.
The group, parent to brands including Andante Travels, Dream Challenges and Brightwater Holidays, aims to give its clients peace of mind and the confidence to travel again.
The actions range from free ‘Travel Safe’ kits for every customers to insurance that includes Covid-19 cover, the use of larger coaches to allow for socially distanced seating on each tour and self-drive options.
Director of new product development Richard Tarrant said: “Whilst the risk of contracting Covid-19 when travelling can never be completely eliminated, the possibility of transmission can be greatly reduced, and that’s what this package of measures is all about.
“We want Andante Travels, Brightwater Holidays and Dream Challenges guests to book and travel with more confidence, knowing that we have considered every aspect of their tour to minimise risk.”
Other actions include a ‘Get me home’ service – a private home transfer service if customers want to avoid taking public transport to and from their tour departure point or if they need to return home early to isolate – for an extra cost; Covid-19 protocols at hotels and on cruise ships such as infrared temperature screening; flexible dining options to better control social distancing and opt out of communal dining; and flexible balance payments and refund policies.
Hygiene tests will be stricter than previously and when reliable ‘on demand’ testing becomes available all tour managers, guide lecturers and tour staff will be tested within 72 hours of departure. The operators will also introduce post-tour tracing for all departures.
