Transat Offers Zika Update

Transat has issued an updated advisory to agents on the Zika virus.

In the advisory, Transat tells agents:

“As you are surely aware, the Zika virus is affecting many destinations around the world. This virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites. As such, it is strongly recommended that travellers take precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

And it continues: “It should be noted that those most at risk are pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Your clients should be encouraged to obtain further information on the Zika virus and to seek advice when travelling to affected destinations.”

And it tells retailers that: “In light of the foregoing, we are exercising flexibility in the interest of our clients travelling to destinations affected by the Zika virus.”

Now for pregnant women, – as well as travel companions sharing the same room – who already booked a destination offered by Transat that currently appears on the Pan American Health Organization’s list of affected destinations – Mexico, Dominican Republic, Curaçao, Panama, St. Martin, Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Colombia – Transat is authorizing requests to change the travel date or destination, upon presentation of a medical certificate attesting to the pregnancy.

The advisory also notes that cancellation requests will be accepted by offering a credit for a future reservation or a full refund.

For all information on the necessary precautions to take during a trip, your customers should be referred to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website and/or see a doctor.