Brisbane-based company National Travel has recently added a COVID information hub to its My Travel Itinerary app, which features important information such as airport entry requirements, airline health measures and state-by state updates. It also provides real-time status alerts as to airport movements such as last-minute closures or grounding of flights.
“Providing this information is a necessity considering how quickly things are now changing with travel,” said National Travel general manager Maite Newell. “Being an agent no longer just involves the basics of booking flights and hotels, these days agencies need to be fully across and prepared for every aspect of travel. We have a lot of senior and family clients who really want to feel informed at all times.
“The travel industry has changed so rapidly since COVID, what travellers really need the most is reassurance that they will be safe and prepared for any changes. We also recently introduced a 24-hour concierge service available through our app, so people can call us wherever they are any time of the day or night with queries.”
The app, which has been in operation since 2017, also features trip details such as transportation, accommodation, activities and tours, a GPS, detailed travel guides and weather forecasts.
“It also has COVID status details for countries around the world, including every airport in the world, which we know will be invaluable once international borders open. People will want to know with certainty what the most current situation is with every destination they are travelling to and so far we have received great feedback that the app has been extremely helpful and reassuring with its level of information and notifications.”
NATIONAL TRAVEL CEO & COVID SAFE TRAVEL EXPERT SHARES HIS TOP TIPS
With the launch of the New Zealand travel bubble and the rise in domestic travel, staying COVID safe is a huge priority for modern travellers. COVID safe travel expert and National Travel CEO, David Sumich, has put together his top 10 COVID safe travel tips to keep the tourism industry afloat and holiday makers safe during these uncertain times.
Research. The number one priority is to do your research and stay informed. Utilise travels apps and stay up to date on current affairs so you can avoid COVID hotspots and predict when there might be a border closure or lock down. National Travel’s My Travel Itinerary app provides an interactive map which clearly communicates COVID-19 infection hot spots and highlights a ‘travel rating risk’ to each area.
Travel Insurance – READ READ READ. When taking out travel insurance read the product disclosure statement to know what you are getting and what the exclusions are. There are policies now including clauses for COVID related medical expenses, COVID related cancellations, COVID related additional costs.
Prepare. The fundamental component to being a travel warrior is preparedness. Pack for safety and include items such as face masks, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes.
Play the detective role. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your booking. Find flexible booking terms that meet your travel needs.
Check your suppliers. Look for destinations, hotels and operators that are following COVID safety guidelines. National Travel has a Suppler Excellence Program to ensure the ground operators and suppliers we use have COVID safe plans in place.
Contactless. Be part of the future – contactless. Check-in online using self-service checkouts and use card payments where you can.
Keep it Simple. With vaccination programs currently underway and no certainty with domestic borders, keep your holidays relatively simple. It will be easier for you to reschedule if you must, however if you use a travel agency such as National Travel, we can handle all rescheduling and refunds for you, making travelling even more simple during these difficult times.
Play COVID safe. Maintain social distancing, disinfect often and always exercise good hand hygiene.
24-hour support. As international borders open, ensure you have access to professional 24-hour support from your travel agent or your suppliers if you are organising your trip yourself.
DFAT – Smart Traveller. Ensure you have lodged your information and itinerary with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) – Smart Traveller.
