The Globus family of brands appears to have decided to sit on the COVID-19 vaccine and test fence announcing that from April 2021, all travellers will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result before they depart on its tours, river cruises and independent holiday packages in Australia and overseas.
The new policy, which appears to be sitting on the fence and it is considered it will not satisfy many of their guest, with many travellers believing vaccination should be a requirement, means travellers will have to provide proof in digital or printed format of COVID-19 immunisation at least 14 days prior to travel; OR proof of a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure, OR proof of recovery from a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis within three months of travel.
Gai Tyrrell, the group’s MD Australasia. “Without one of these verifications, travellers will not be able to join a planned holiday with Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways or Monograms,” adding that Globus said it would also facilitate and cover the cost of additional COVID-19 testing if required for guests to return to their home country, as well as tests during a trip if guests show symptoms.
She added, “The health and safety of our travellers is our number one priority,” and “We have continued to enhance on-trip safety standards throughout the pandemic to ensure we’re ready to welcome guests back to travel when the world is ready.”
Globus says that this measure complements the Globus family Peace of Mind Travel Plan which gives clients the flexibility to move trips to any other 2021 or 2022 date, destination or itinerary without penalty.
What do you think? Should vaccination be mandatory before international travel and booking a product such as with Globus or is a 72 hr test sufficient.
My view? I will not be going anywhere unless all my fellow travellers are vaccinated!
A report by John Alwyn-Jones
