Refunds will also be issued to those asked to self-isolate or diagnosed with Covid-19, if it coincides with their holiday dates.
Exodus Travels is also claiming “industry-leading” flexibility terms around booking amendments – allowing customers to be refunded on the land portion of their trip if they need to cancel up to 42 days before departure.
Its 21-day no-fee flexibility guarantee enables customers to transfer to a future departure at no extra cost up to three weeks before departure.
The operator has also launched a new Travel Safety Charter created in line with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) standards.
A five-stage approval process has been developed, which all Exodus destinations required to pass before opening to guests – criteria is based on both Foreign Office (FCO) advice and a separate assessment by a travel risk management firm.
A tour will run providing FCO advice is positive, Covid infection rates “are under control” in the destination and entry requirements or local restrictions do not significantly impact the itinerary.
Enhanced cleanliness and hygiene safety measures will also be introduced in all accommodation, transport, meal locations and venues used by Exodus Travels, and local teams will visit each one in advance of travel.
Guests on guided group trips will join a “small group bubble” (with an average of 10 travellers) and be able to take advantage of a boost in the number of available optional single rooms.
Every member of the group will complete a declaration prior to travel to state they are free of Covid symptoms and any known exposure and will be asked to take a temperature check in the first 12 hours upon arrival.
At all times throughout every trip, there will be support from local experts in the destination and head office. Local expert guides will plan ahead to minimise time in crowded places by re-routing or arriving at quiet times, where possible.
Sam Seward, Exodus Travels managing director, said: “During these past few months, our expert guides and head office teams have been working hard behind the scenes to put together this Travel Safety Charter in preparation for welcoming our guests back on our adventures safely and responsibly.
“In addition, we’re delighted to be able to offer the type of booking flexibility and financial security customers need and expect, should plans have to change. Like a very small handful of adventure travel operators, we have now processed all refund requests relating to cancellations since the start of the crisis and with these enhanced measures, we hope to give our trade partners the extra confidence to book their customers with Exodus Travels.”
