THE Council of Australian Travel Operators (CATO) today announced the launch of a set of new COVID-safe Travel Protocols for its members to utilise as they relaunch operations.
Based on guidelines published by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the member-only protocols are “intended to lead the Australian land supply sector through the travel and tourism industry’s journey to recovery,” according to CATO MD Brett Jardine.
“By their nature as travel experience creators, tour operators and wholesalers weave all of the industry’s moving parts together in their bespoke consumer offerings—airlines, hotels, ground transport, attractions, guides, government regulations and more,” he said.
“And while all CATO Member businesses and their offerings are unique, we believe it’s essential that a closely aligned, global approach to COVID-safety is the best way to navigate our way through the industry’s recovery.”
Jardine said the protocols will see the land-supply sector lead the definition of industry best practice as the sector moves from crisis management to recovery, putting the health and safety of travellers and the industry’s workforce at their core.
The detailed protocols focus on three key areas: Operational and Staff Preparedness; Delivering a Safe Experience; and Rebuilding Trust and Confidence, and include recommendations around signage, staff training and sanitation, health and hygiene, social distancing, contactless payment, contact tracing and communication.
The document will be subject to change as borders begin to re-open and restrictions ease “to ensure it remains relevant through every stage of recovery and beyond,” Jardine concluded.
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Source: traveldaily