Since the pandemic started, COVID safety has become the number one concern for the ‘modern’ traveller. It is now more important than ever to be kept informed on border closures, travel restrictions, which hotels to avoid and cleanliness procedures to take, in order to stay safe. Before the pandemic, many travellers were confident to book their own holidays online, however more and more people are now shifting back to the convenience and safety of using a travel agent to manage their bookings, itineraries and cancellations, should anything go wrong.
Established in 2016, Brisbane-based National Travel, who cater to families, honeymooners, solo travellers, seniors and membership travel, have ramped up their operation since COVID, becoming Australia’s experts in COVID safe travel.
The luxury travel agency have always engaged leading-edge technology, digital platforms and the best people in the industry. However, they recently also introduced a COVID information hub to their My Travel Itinerary app. This features important information such as airport entry requirements, airline health measures and state-by state updates. It also provides real-time status alerts as to airport movements such as last-minute closures or grounding of flights.
“The obvious elephant in the room is safety for our clients whilst on holiday and it is an area that National Travel has focused and invested significant time and energies on, in preparation for a post covid travel world.” Said CEO David Sumich.
“We have a lot of senior and family clients who really want to feel informed at all times so it was important to implement a 24-hour concierge service add on to the My Travel app, so people can call us wherever they are, any time of the day or night with queries.”
National Travel have also introduced a Supplier Excellence Program after COVID. They have reviewed their supplier relationships and have vetted these relationships against key factors such as covid safe plans, flexible terms and conditions and 24- hour support for clients. They now only work with businesses who they are confident will accommodate their clients when needed.
With the New Zealand bubble now open, it is the perfect time to re-discover the beauty, culture, and landscapes of New Zealand. Explore Adventurous Queenstown, find the best fish and chips on Stewart Island, cruise the breathtaking Milford Sound or be romanced with a day punting the Avon River in Christchurch, in the safest most informed way possible using National Travel’s My Travel Itinerary app.
Despite broader international travel still being off the table, one bit of advice Mr Sumich says is to start planning and booking now, as inventory will fill up very fast as the world starts opens up and people begin to think to travel again.
Australians have been itching to see more of their own backyard since international flights have been grounded with unique and far-flung travels high on the agenda. Leading travel agency National Travel says several of their domestic trips have been in high demand and have been quickly snapped up.
“A big driver of travel demand has been for experiences rather than destinations including nature and wide, open spaces whilst also providing a great safety and comfort level,” said National Travel Managing Director, David Sumich.
“The Kimberly area in Western Australia has made a big comeback with people very eager to return to the area. What’s more, cruising has been the number one seller for this destination. With cruise operators now adhering to strict hygiene measures, people feel more reassured than ever that they will have a safe time.”
With domestic holidays in such demand, the business is currently offering bundles of half-price flights with all land tours.
Mr Sumich said another trip that had been very popular is their Silo Art Trail. “We curated this experience and developed this exclusive tour for our travel club clientele. It was that popular, our first two groups sold out in 48 hours. This is a really different experience as it explores the outback, supporting small towns and recognises the history, culture of the local area. Several towns including Patchewollock, Devenish and Goorambat have artworks painted on the side of grain silos which are simply incredible.”
For those who would rather stick to the air, Antarctica Day Flights are also once again hot tickets. “On these private chartered flights passengers can explore close-up encounters with the white continent without stepping off the flight. Due to popular demand more exclusive day flights have been added such as the Southern Lights over Antarctica and South Pole Expedition.
“Nearly two years of pent- up demand will cause a supply shortage very quickly. Our Japan Cherry Blossom Season Tour for 2022 is back in strong demand, as well as the Europe River Cruising tours. Most river cruising companies have a ‘all-inclusive packages’ which takes care of all the details. As with all cruises now, hygiene and safety will be paramount.”
Mr Sumich says world cruising and the Maldives will also be popular.
“With travel having been put on the back burner in the last year, we’re thrilled that people are wanting to explore once more and that demand is stronger than ever for both domestic and international travel.”
For more details log onto www.national-travel.com.au
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