COVID-19 Update: Globus, ACV and More
Globus Suspends Operations Through June 30
Globus has voluntarily suspended operations through June 30.
“As we contact all affected travellers, we are unveiling an enhanced Peace of Mind travel plan, giving them the right options and adequate time to reset travel plans and rebook vacations.”
Through the Peace of Mind plan, Globus is allowing all currently booked travellers between March 14 and June 30 to move travel dates easily and without incurring cancellation fees, land or airline penalties.
“You are free to move your booking to any Globus family of brands (Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways) vacation for any destination. If you are not ready to choose your new vacation, the full value paid to us will be provided via a Letter of Credit, redeemable for any future 2020, 2021 or 2022 departure, and is transferrable.”
To make the transition easier, the Plan includes an additional bonus credit. This bonus credit of up to $200 per person will be in addition to the Letter of Credit, redeemable for any future travel through 2022: Bonus credit of $200 for Avalon Waterways; Bonus credit of $100 for Globus; Bonus credit of $50 for Cosmos, Escapes by Globus & Monograms.
(http://www.globusjourneys.ca/travel-update)
Crystal Hosting Live Q&A
Crystal Cruises’ weekly Insider Insights webinar takes place today with an opportunity for agents to stay connected with company executives despite the current pause on global travel.
For the first time, the company will offer a live discussion and Q&A session with Carmen Roig, its senior vice-president of marketing and sales, during a Virtual Coffee Chat with Carmen. The segment, which typically appears during a small portion of Crystal’s weekly webinar, will be expanded to the majority of the digital gathering, and affording ample time for travel professionals to inquire about the current issues that are profoundly affecting the industry.
In addition to fielding travel advisors’ questions submitted by the webinar platform, Roig will also discuss the latest pertinent company updates and initiatives.
Agents can register to join the Virtual Coffee Chat with Carmen at 1 p.m. ET via
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/8236587142639989507?source=Dedicated2.
ACV Extends Free CareFlex Travel Protection
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is extending its free CareFlex travel protection for bookings made up to April 15.
Agents’ clients can book with confidence knowing that the comprehensive travel protection plan allows them to change their booking, transfer their package, and cancel with an in-house travel credit and/or a partial refund up to three days before departure.
Free CareFlex travel protection is available for select destinations and resorts in Las Vegas, Mexico and the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Europe for bookings made between now and April 15 for travel until April 30, 2021. When making bookings online, agents will need to “select” CareFlex at $0 during the booking flow.
Airline Disruptions Expected: USVI
The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is advising the travelling public that while the Territory’s airports are open during the coronavirus pandemic, passengers travelling to and from the destination may experience disruptions in airline services.
Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte affirmed that authority to close the Territory’s ports falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government and that adjustments in flight schedules and passenger itineraries are at the discretion of each airline, and in accordance with federal travel advisories.
Cancellations and schedule reductions to the Territory have been announced by major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines. Travellers are advised to contact the airlines directly for the most current information.
The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is strongly encouraging all persons considering leisure travel to the Territory to remain at home and follow the prevention measures recommended by public health experts.
Until the end of April, hotels and other accommodation providers in the Territory are accepting emergency personnel, essential workers, airline staff and business travellers.
The Department of Health is beginning health screening of passengers at the Territory’s airports upon arrival, and some travelers may be requested to self-quarantine and/or take the COVID-19 test.
Commissioner Boschulte reminded travellers that these measures are in effect to help stop the spread of COVID-19 globally, and more specifically, to the Territory.
Casa de Campo Resort
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in La Romana, Dominican Republic, is closed until May 31.
Washington, D.C. Starts ‘Stay Home’ Order
The Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser, announced a “Stay Home” order, effective yesterday (April 1).
The order is similar to other stay-at-home orders that close all non-essential businesses and asks residents to only go outside for essential activities.
The order is significant as D.C. is the home of US federal government, which has been reluctant to implement a country-wide stay-at-home order. The federal government has been assisting states with their policies, but has let them operate independently.
