Cosmos and sister brand Avalon Waterways UK will operate to amber destinations despite government ministers saying Brits should not go on holidays to such countries.
Under the new traffic light system, travellers returning from amber destinations must self-isolate for 10 days, while arrivals from green list countries do not have to quarantine.
Since the ban on leisure travel was lifted on May 17, some airlines and operators have chosen to run programmes to destinations no longer subject to Foreign Office advice against non-essential travel.
Giles Hawke, chief executive of Cosmos and Avalon, wrote an open letter about the brands’ plans for the resumption of travel.
“Our intention is to use UK government advice regarding green and amber destinations to inform our decision-making, recognising that this advice is scheduled to change every three weeks,” he said.
“Our intention will be to operate our tours and cruises, where operationally viable, to destinations on the green and amber lists which are accepting international visitors.”
Currently, the company requires guests to be fully vaccinated, or have negative test result for Covid-19, before travelling.
“Our goal remains to provide holidays wherever possible and, where not possible, to provide guests with alternative travel dates or options, or to offer a Letter of Credit so customers can book something at a later date if so desired,” he added.
The letter also said decisions about which holidays will depart will be made “at a much later point than would be ideal”.
“We would kindly request that customers remain flexible and understanding of the fact that decision-making and information will be much closer to the departure date than would normally be the case, essentially so that we have every opportunity to deliver holidays after such a long period of not being able to go anywhere,” he wrote.
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