Travel Update – The APT Travel Group Coronavirus Update

20 April 2020

The safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees is of our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. Travel to all countries is now being affected in some way, with many changing their border control and entry policies, health screening and some with complete entry restrictions. 

The following information is up to date with how we are helping our impacted customers:

International Tours Suspended up to and including 30 June 2020 (tours beyond this will operate as normal)

Future Holiday Credit

A future holiday credit equal to the full value of your booking, is being offered to all our suspended tours.  This includes us absorbing any applicable third-party fees (some airline fees may apply).  This is valid for travel with us up to the end of 2021.  You can use this for multiple bookings and the credit can be partly transferred to a person accompanying you on an alternative trip.  It is not transferable to another person, nor is it redeemable for cash. 

Security & Protection Promise

To offer further protection during this time we wish to advise that the funds paid to us, either by you directly or from your travel agent, are secure in a separate bank account that ensures our supplier payments are paid directly from that account. That means that the funds that you are leaving with us for future travel are safe and used only for payments related to your holiday.  

Unprecedented Times & Force Majeure

Due to the exceptional and substantial impact that COVID-19 is having on our industry and our guests, we are conferring this additional benefit over and above our usual terms and conditions. This is a situation that is classified as a Force Majeure event. Meaning it is beyond all reasonable control and not reasonably preventable by our business. Our full Terms and Conditions are available here. 

Airlines & Border Protection Levels

Many airlines around the world have announced a reduction in their service levels and international/domestic activity, you may have been contacted directly by an airline at this stage. Other tour operators including land and cruise partners of ours are also making announcements about their activity. And we are hearing multiple changes to worldwide policy on border protection and travel.

Bookings beyond 30 June 2020

As stated above these tours are planned to operate as per schedule.  However, customers do have access to our updated and extended Temporary Deferment Policy found here.

Helpful links
• What is ATG doing? Our increased health and safety protocols in place for Europe
• Frequently Asked Questions

Latest formal advice can be found:

The US Department of State website provides the latest travel safety information for travellers heading overseas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ 

Government of Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/  

United Nations World Health Organisation: www.who.int