Globus brands are asking customers to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccines, a negative test result, or virus immunity in order to join its tours, river cruises and packages.
From April, the new health and safety protocols will be in place for Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways trips in North America and beyond.
“The health and safety of our travellers is our number one priority,” said Scott Nisbet, chief executive of the Globus family of brands.
“We have continued to enhance on-trip safety standards throughout the pandemic to ensure we’re ready to welcome guests back to travel when the world is ready. Today, we’re unveiling new pre-trip requirements.”
Travellers must show Globus staff either:
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel.
- Proof of a negative Covid-19 test (NAAT/PCR or antigen) result within 72-hours of travel
- Proof of recovery from a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis within three months of travel
Without one of these verifications, travellers will not be able to join a planned holiday with Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways or Monograms, the company said.
Globus said it will facilitate and cover the cost of additional Covid-19 testing, if required, for guests to return to their home country, as well as tests on trip if guests show symptoms.
And in a bid to “ease pre-trip stress”, the company has also shortened the final payment window for all brands to 45 days prior to departure.
“In a world of uncertainty, we want travellers to enjoy peace of mind that their vacation – and their finances – are in good hands,” said Nisbet.
“As they get closer to their departure date, they can feel confident about – and excited for – their journey, knowing that final payment is not due until six weeks before they’re scheduled to go.”
Nisbet cited the company’s Peace of Mind Travel Plan which, created earlier in the pandemic, allows customers to move their plans to any other 2021 or 2022 date, destination, itinerary on any Globus brand, without penalty, if they are unable to go on holiday due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“We’re offering travellers risk-free bookings,” added Nisbet.