World Expeditions is celebrating a return to travel this month, on the trail it pioneered 25 years ago, with five groups departing Alice Springs to walk the NT’s iconic Larapinta Trail, commencing this week.
“We had a false start back in March, when we set up all the camps in preparedness for our busiest season ever, only to have to demount them again when travel stopped with the onset of COVID restrictions,” said CEO, Sue Badyari.
“Now, with them re-erected and with a new COVID-Safe protocol in place, we – and our guides – are thrilled to see our first travellers back on the trail. The season will be short but, it’s something.
“Just before we were to begin the season in early August 2020, the Victorian border closure was announced, forcing 26% of our travellers to cancel their travel plans at the last minute. As we managed all the cancellations, the NT Government made the decision to close its borders to people from both Sydney and then the Greater Brisbane area, furthering disrupting travellers’ plans – and impacting operations.
“It was a huge blow. The changing border restrictions also affected our guiding team, with many forced to depart their home states early to ensure they could safely enter the NT.
“In short, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our NT operations this year – and on our broader offering, but we’re grateful that we’ve been able to return to the trails, even in a limited way.”
Although the majority of intended walkers were forced to cancel because of COVID-19 border restrictions, World Expeditions made the decision to operate its trips to honour bookings made by those who could travel, and to provide work for its guiding team.
The company’s new operational procedures to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 include special measures with food preparation, enhanced hygiene, sanitation and physical distancing. All travellers are required to complete a health screening at the start of the trip and to wear masks in certain settings, consistent with the relevant laws and regulations.
“As well as the new safety measures, we implemented a $0 deposit booking offer to give travellers peace of mind to book in this uncertain environment,” Ms Badyari said.
World Expeditions operates more than 10 itineraries on the Larapinta Trail, through its domestic brand, Australian Walking Holidays, and is the only company to offer trekkers luxuries such as hot showers, access to comfortable lounge areas in the exclusive eco camps, an indigenous food experience and private accommodation with comfortable, off-ground beds.
Its Larapinta range includes the multi award-winning 6 day Classic Larapinta trek in Comfort, which is one of the Great Walks of Australia. Other Larapinta walks include the Larapinta Goddess Walk, the Larapinta Trek Family Adventure, a Women’s Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, the Larapinta Challenger Trek and a new for 2021 Larapinta, Kings Canyon & Uluru in Comfort.
Visit worldexpeditions.com or australianwalkingholidays.com or call 1300 720 000.
