What: Tour Operators Are Requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations
Tour operators are increasingly requiring that passengers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to travel. Operators that have recently mandated vaccines include Intrepid Travel, as well as The Travel Corporation’s brands (Trafalgar, Costsaver, Brendan Vacations, Contiki, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold). All companies are enacting the mandate starting Sept. 1, though specific details — such as date of final dose — vary by brand.
Why It Matters: Vaccine Mandates Are Becoming Mainstream for Travel
In June, the Globus Family of Brands announced that all clients traveling on its river cruises, as well as international tours and independent vacation packages, must be fully vaccinated. Now, two other leading tour companies — The Travel Corporation and Intrepid Travel — are requiring the same, pointing to strong support of vaccinations and their ability to save lives and rebuild the tourism industry.
Previously, clients could typically opt out of vaccinations with a negative COVID-19 test. Because this is changing, advisors would be wise to brush up on the new details of these policies.
What They Are Saying: Vaccines Will Protect Travelers, Staff and Local Communities
“The well-being of our guests is our top priority,” said Melissa da Silva, U.S. president of Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations and Costsaver. “With many of the countries we travel to now requiring proof of vaccination to enter museums, restaurants and historical sites, our new requirement will ensure that our guests are not only protected, but also [that they can] enjoy their vacation as seamlessly as possible.”
“The decision to require our guests to be fully vaccinated will allow for a more seamless travel experience, providing extra peace of mind and confidence when booking our tours,” said Guy Young, president of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold. “As the pandemic continues to evolve, countries in Europe and elsewhere are now requiring proof of vaccination to enter indoor venues such as museums and restaurants, making it challenging to navigate destinations without being vaccinated.”
The decision to require our guests to be fully vaccinated will allow for a more seamless travel experience, providing extra peace of mind and confidence when booking our tours.
“Intrepid was founded on ideals of inclusivity and equality, and the entire travel industry must step up to acknowledge and act on the current inequalities that persist around global access to COVID-19 vaccines,” said James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. “Ending the pandemic is not only about you and your vaccine. Just because travelers are vaccinated and ready to explore doesn’t mean that communities are vaccinated and ready to host you. Together, we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can safely and fairly access vaccinations in every country around the world.”
Fast Facts
- Intrepid’s new mandatory vaccination policy for all travelers and tour leaders begins Sept. 1. According to the company, 94% of travelers on Intrepid trips since May 2021 have been fully vaccinated.
- Intrepid’s vaccine mandate is part of the operator’s global vaccine equity campaign, which also includes improving vaccine education and access and a donation (via The Intrepid Foundation) to support global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
- The Travel Corporation’s brands will be requiring proof of vaccination beginning Sept. 1.
- Globus just announced that it will be extending its vaccine mandate through March 22, 2022.
