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Reading: 6 Ways Organised Tours *Might* Change After COVID-19
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18-35 Travel > Blog > Trips > 6 Ways Organised Tours *Might* Change After COVID-19
Trips

6 Ways Organised Tours *Might* Change After COVID-19

The global COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, leaving the travel industry severely impacted. As we gradually adapt to the new normal, organised tours are evolving to meet the changing needs and expectations of travellers.
Russell
By Russell 24th July 2023 1.3k Views Add a Comment
5 Min Read
Three Topdeck travellers standing on a bench with a European city in the background all wearing face masks.
As we steadily acclimatise to the new normal, organised tours are undergoing a transformation to accommodate the shifting demands and aspirations of modern travellers.
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It’s safe to say that 2020 is a year we’ll never forget. COVID-19 wreaked havoc on our lives, our jobs, and our freedom – and it’s guaranteed to leave lasting changes to the way we travel too. The internet has been buzzing with all sorts of ideas of what a post Coronavirus world could look like, but the reality is that no one knows.

What we do know, is that things will be different, and here are 6 ways that we think organised group travel might change after COVID-19.

Tour costs *might* increase

Older man talking on phone saying that he wants money

We spoke with an unnamed travel company recently who said that their 2021 tour prices would be increasing to help recover losses from 2020.

While we can’t see that prices will skyrocket, post COVID-19 tours could easily be 5% more than before.

If you are keen to travel in 2021, we suggest you check out the early bird deals as some operators like Busabout are offering 2021 trips at 2020 prices – but for a limited time only.

Busabout announced on 5th August 2020 that all Busabout trips will be suspended until 2023. Read more here.

Face masks *might* be required

Three Topdeck travellers standing on a bench with a European city in the background all wearing face masks.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, certain tour companies are implementing stringent mask-wearing policies to ensure the safety and well-being of travellers on their trips.

In June, Uber made it compulsory to wear a face mask when using their service. Could this be the same for organised group travel? While it probably won’t be a condition of travel with tour operators, you might be expected to wear face coverings in certain countries you visit.

Hand sanitising stations will most likely be popping up everywhere, and social distancing rules could be in play for some time still.

Cancellation policies *might* change

youre cancelling me

Before COVID-19, it was commonplace for travel operators to issue a refund if your trip was cancelled, or if you decided to pull out. But post COVID-19, there may be more stringent cancellation policies in place to help protect travel companies from financial ruin should something like Coronavirus happen again.

We may see that some operators issue a credit to use for future travel rather than a cash refund.

Passenger capacity *might* be reduced

A large Contiki tour group photo in front of their Contiki tour bus
Contiki, renowned for operating tours with a high volume of passengers, may witness a shift towards smaller group sizes in the post-COVID-19 era, adapting to changing traveller preferences. © katieeverywhere.com

It might be possible that some tour operators reduce the number of passengers who travel on specific tours. Of course, they have to make sure that it’s financially viable, but for companies such as Topdeck and Contiki who typically have up to 50 people per bus, we might start to see some spare seats.

Fewer tours *might* be available

covid 19 affects on tours
Post-COVID-19, some group tour operators may need to curtail their offerings to maintain financial stability in the face of the industry’s evolving landscape.

We all love choice, but that might change after COVID-19 as many operators adjust to the financial and operational implications of Coronavirus. Also, some countries – especially in Europe, might not be open and ready for tourists at the same time as their neighbouring countries.

Factors such as the timing of lockdown & their healthcare systems may see some countries recovering sooner.

Some tour operators *might* go bust

bankruptcy
In the wake of COVID-19’s economic impact, several group tour operators face the unfortunate possibility of bankruptcy.

Let’s hope that this doesn’t happen, but it could be possible.

Tour operators have had to issue refunds to thousands of would-be travellers, and these costs on top of no bookings could force them into administration.

That’s why we all need to dig deep, support our favourite operator and re-book for 2021.

TAGGED: COVID-19
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