Group and FIT touring operator, The Travel Corporation, has imposed a mandatory vaccination requirement for all eligible travellers and customer-facing staff in an effort to ensure safe travel for all guests once borders begin to open up.
The company has also opted to cancel all scheduled departures until 1 December 2021 across its coach touring brands including AAT Kings, Contiki, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Inspiring Journeys. Day tours and short break programs in the Northern Territory will continue to operate.
The requirement of full vaccination for all travellers and touring staff comes following similar moves made by the company in its heartland of North America and Europe.
The Travel Corporation Australia CEO, David Hosking, said the decision has been made in an effort to maximise the health and safety of all travellers, clients and suppliers, including hotels where guests on multi-day itineraries stay each evening.
“We have based the date of 1 December 2021 on the 4-stage plan outlined by the Australian Government, the New Zealand Government COVID-19 vaccine plan and the current projected vaccine rollout across Australia and New Zealand reaching a point that creates freedom of movement, while also giving guests and employees a clear path forward,” Hosking said.
“The group also hopes state governments have agreed to a collective approach to managing lockdowns and movement across borders by this time.”