TORONTO — With the coronavirus outbreak still dominating headlines around the world, travel companies and organizations continue to make updates to their travel policies and screening measures.
GOWAY
Goway is changing its terms and conditions policy so that all travel deposits made March 3 – 31, 2020 will be transferrable to another Goway destination or travel date. The new policy is effective immediately.
“This means that travellers can deposit now on their dream vacation and have the peace of mind of knowing that if they choose not to travel there (or if world events conspire against their plans), they’ll have the freedom to transfer their deposit to any other Goway destination of their choice,” says Goway.
Since deposits with Goway never expire, clients won’t be on the clock to make travel plans or feel rushed into making big decisions regarding their dream vacations, says the company.
Goway is also providing a more flexible cancellation fee structure for travellers, as a gesture of goodwill. For new bookings deposited March 3 – 31 2020, in the event of a cancellation for a non-insured reason, Goway will offer 25% of the cancellation fees as a future travel credit.
The future travel credit is provided up until five days prior to departure, and is valid for one year from date of issue for travel to the same destination.
Goway also offers an insurance policy that covers 75% of cancellation fees, regardless of reason for cancellation, as long as travellers cancel at least two days before scheduled departure.
For details see tripmate.com/wpOR441A.
Goway says it is “committed to providing peace of mind for travellers, whether booking travel to one of the affected regions or one of over 100 other destinations worldwide.”
For more details about Goway’s terms and conditions email info@goway.com, call 1-800-387-8850, or see goway.com.
CLIA
CLIA has announced the adoption of additional enhanced screening measures in response to the outbreak.
Effective immediately, CLIA members are to do the following:
• Deny boarding to all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in South Korea, Iran, China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and any municipality in Italy subject to lockdown (quarantine) measures by the Italian Government, as designated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within 14 days prior to embarkation.
• Conduct illness screening for all persons who have travelled from, visited or transited via airports in any destinations listed on the U.S. CDC “Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel” page within 14 days before embarkation. Illness screening includes symptom history checks for fever, cough and difficulty breathing in the 14 days before embarkation and taking of temperature.
• Deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days prior to embarkation, have had contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who are currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
• Conduct pre-boarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19.
“The adoption of these measures further demonstrates the cruise industry’s unique ability to respond quickly as circumstances evolve,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of CLIA. “We remain in close contact with local governments around the world, and while we regret that these changes will result in the denial of boarding for some of our guests, travelers should know that their health and safety is the absolute priority for the industry.”
TRAVELBRANDS
Following yesterday’s news that TravelBrands has cancelled its Agent Appreciation events across Canada, CEO Frank DeMarinis issued an official statement to express the company’s disappointment.
“The travel industry is greatly affected by this unforeseen situation, and we are really disappointed we won’t be able to see you at our much-loved annual shows. However, we do not want to unknowingly expose stakeholders, suppliers and partners who attend these events from all over the world. Our choice to cancel the shows this year is a precautionary, yet necessary measure,” he said.
Thanking partners for their flexibility and support, DeMarinis also noted that the health of the company’s clients, partners and colleagues remain top priority.
“Our industry has faced different adversities and viruses before. We have overcome them in the past and we are confident we will overcome it again. We have a responsibility to showcase all of the wonderful and safe travel options available. We also have a responsibility to do our part to take preventative measures to avoid any possible health or safety concerns.
“With that said, it is important all travel industry members support each other during this time. We are confident that the travel community will come out of this stronger than ever – but we all must do our part in working together. TravelBrands remains committed to travel and tourism, and to create safe travel opportunities for all.”
The CEO assured that TravelBrands will continue to monitor the situation as its develops and keep all stakeholders updated.
“TravelBrands is here to support all travellers, agents and suppliers alike. We are still excited to unveil our latest product and platform innovations, and inspire our community. We promise you they will be available later this month. Our mission is to offer travel agents and travellers innovative solutions to fulfill all travel needs. We will always continue to build solutions for the travel industry to help you work smarter, not harder.”
