Three tour operator associations have joined to publish the Tourcare Guidelines for Tour Operators — health and sanitization protocols specific for tour operators and their clients.
Created by the Canadian Association of Tour Operators, the European Tourism Association and the United States Tour Operators Association, the guidelines aim to take into consideration the complexity of the tour product and to account for all touchpoints of a trip.
In addition, the guidelines follow sanitization procedures recommended by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local governmental health authorities. Several familiar best practices are included: providing passengers with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as wipes, masks and hand sanitizer, and communicating clearly when guests are required to use PPE.
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When interacting with guests, suppliers will be required to wear gloves and face masks; to disinfect high-touch areas regularly; and to employ touchless solutions when possible.
Social distancing must be promoted when viable — even on motor coaches.
Clients and employees alike should be educated on proper social distancing and hygiene measures, and both parties will be expected to adhere to these best practices. Clients will also be required to disclose whether they have tested positive or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 within 14 days of departure.
Each tour operator association has shared the Tourcare Guidelines with all tour operator members, as well as the accompanying compliance logo, a blue box marked “TC.”
The Details
Tourcare Guidelines for Tour Operators
www.ustoa.com
