The Travel Corporations' (TTC) guided tour brands have announced a new health policy, which requires all guests to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a policy which takes effect as of 01SEP 2021.
Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations and Luxury Gold’s new policy requires clients to show documented proof of having received two doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines from either Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca or one dose from Johnson & Johnson.
The final dose of the vaccine must have been taken 15 days prior to departure. TTC notes that this policy will remain in effect until at least 31DEC 2021.
Clients booked with the brands listened above will need to provide proof of vaccination to their Wellbeing Director, Travel Director, Trip Manager or Traveling Concierge before joining the tour and also upon arrival to their destination.
The company notes tour guests will additionally need to comply with specific COVID-19 PCR testing requirements imposed by airlines and/or the destinations, which may differ from country to country.
“The wellbeing of our guests is our top priority and many of the countries we travel to now require proof of vaccination or near-daily negative PCR testing results for non-vaccinated visitors to enter museums, restaurants and historical sites,” says Jeff Element, President of The Travel Corporation Canada. “Our new requirement will ensure guests greater peace of mind so they’re able to enjoy a seamless and wonderful travel experience."
TTC notes that its guided tours will be operated in accordance with a rigorous set of enhanced hygiene, physical distancing and on-road protocols, adapting to and complying with all requirements by relevant government authorities. TTC's brands have also collaborated with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to create global protocols and procedures and all of the brands have been awarded the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp.
The Corporation has added a dedicated Well-being Director on any Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold trip with 21 or more guests (excluding Austria and New Zealand). The Well-being Director will support the Travel Director and professionally trained Driver and remain up-to-date on authority and local government guidelines while ensuring all hygiene and physical distancing measures are implemented.
“With the international travel requirements constantly being updated, we are continuously monitoring evolving vaccination mandates across destinations,” adds Element. “Canada’s recent announcement of the roll-out of a vaccine passport for international travel is also a positive step forward for our industry and will enable guests to easily provide the necessary documentation.”
For more information on specifics of the new policy for booked clients or clients considering booking, TTC asks advisors to visit the relevant brand's website: Trafalgar, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Costsaver Tours, Brendan Vacations, and Luxury Gold.
