Tour Operators Adjust to Constantly Changing Travel Landscape - Travel Market Report

The pandemic has required the entire travel industry to pivot and be flexible as requirements, statistics, and more change day by day. Just as tour operators kicked off fall itineraries after being stagnant for over a year, they now have to contend with new requirements as the Delta variant increases cases worldwide.

Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver and Contiki–brands under The Travel Corporation—have extended their vaccine policy for travel through Dec. 31, 2022. It was originally in effect until at least the end of this year.

TTC guests booked on any of these guided brands are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to travel, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccine current and valid.

The Globus family of brands, which includes Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways, has also extended its policy requiring all travelers to show proof of being fully vaccinated until at least March 2022.

Collette, meanwhile, announced it will continue to operate tours to Europe, following changes made for American travelers earlier this week. The E.U. recommended its 27 member countries to reinstate requirements for Americans.

The company, which requires travelers to be fully vaccinated for international travel, has successfully operated tours to Europe for the past six months. 1,300 guest have traveled internationally with Collette since April of 2020.

Collette has worked alongside government officials, tourism boards, and key partners during this time, to ensure a positive experience for guests throughout their travel in Europe.

"We have been completely supportive of reopening the doors to international travel, both inbound and outbound, and continue to provide the best experiences for our guests." said Dan Sullivan, Jr. CEO of Collette. "Our guests are fully vaccinated, and our team continues to do its due diligence in vetting every aspect of travel within the European Union, while adhering to necessary testing and guidance that has been set forth."

Adventure tour operator G Adventures announced plans to operate both vaccinated and non-vaccinated tours in October. The Vaccinated Tours program will be led by a fully vaccinated chief experience officer or tour guide and every guest will also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To be eligible for Vaccinated Tours, CEOs and travelers must have received a full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose administered at least 14 days prior to day one of the tour.

However, because of "the vast number of tour and destinations G Adventures is currently operating in, and the slower roll-out of vaccines in some destinations," the tour operator is also offering "Travel-Ready" tours. Travelers will need proof of a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to day one of their tour's departure.

This October, 304 departures across 116 G Adventures tours will operate as Vaccinated Tours, and 64 departures will be designated as Travel-Ready.

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