The APT Travel Group has put together new health and safety measures for when its tours resume after the Covid-19 pandemic
Travel protocols across APT and Travelmarvel holidays include all staff and crew undertaking industry-recognised Covid-19 health and hygiene training, for which it is developing an in-house standard.
Pre-travel health screenings will be required for all guests and crew, with those not completing tests not allowed to join tours or cruises.
Hand sanitiser will be available on all APT tours and cruises “at all times” and there will be no self-serve buffets or shared items such as table spices, cutlery baskets or communal baskets.
Face masks will be available for all guests on request, and there will be increased cleaning of “frequently-touched surfaces” with hospital grade cleaning products.
APT’s small group range will have fewer guests and see guests enter communal areas at one time, in APT-owned Kimberley Lodges in Western Australia.
All escorted touring will adhere to social distancing requirements where applicable and have a maximum of 24 guests on coaches that have a capacity for 48.
APT said it would “ensure all health and safety protocols are of the highest standard” when provided by its partner suppliers.
UK and Europe managing director Paul Melinis said: “In forming our protocols for our global programmes, we have set up a dedicated Covid-19 Health and Safety Team, coming together to create our comprehensive set of protocols. Our guidance has also been shaped by our affiliation with Clia, as well as the advice and regulations from international governing bodies and the World Health Organisation.
“We want our guests to know they can travel well and in confidence with us. These measures will remain in effect as long as needed, and we will continue to be agile and adapt as we evaluate the situation and continue to consult with relevant international and local authorities for all of the areas we operate in around the world.
“We know that travellers will only venture out into the world again when they feel it is safe to do so, we want to give them the peace of mind that we are providing the highest safety travel protocols across all our products.”