NEWS
Air Transat launches ‘connectair by Air Transat’
Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana
African Travel Inc. to require vaccination as of Jan. 1 TORONTO — African Travel, Inc., part of The Travel Corporation, has announced a new vaccination mandate for small group safaris in 2022. Starting Jan. 1, 2022, guests travelling in non-family groups of 10+ and on African Travel’s set group departures will need to provide proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or one dose of Johnson & Johnston) before joining their safari and upon arrival at their destination. Guests will also need to comply with specific PCR testing requirements imposed by airlines and/or governments, which may differ from country to country.
“If clients prefer a different style of travel, whether that’s a private vehicle or in their own bubble, we can customize experiences to each traveller’s well-being needs.” “This decision ensures our commitments to our guests that their well-being is our top priority, “said Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “It is essential that we take responsibility to help protect each other, the people and the places we visit.”
To show proof of vaccination, all guests will be asked to provide an authentic COVID-19 vaccination certificate (electronic or paper showing date and time of the vaccinations), with the final dose given at least 15 days before the start of their safari. Any testing required pre-travel will be the responsibility of the guest to organize; the company’s safari specialists will facilitate any additional testing requirements for travellers while travelling. Added Banda: “Guests can feel safe knowing when they join a set departure or group hosted by the advisor, they are travelling with others who are vaccinated. If clients prefer a different style of travel, whether that’s a private vehicle or in their own bubble, we can customize experiences unique to each traveller’s well-being needs.” African Travel’s safari vacation packages feature set group departures to Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Southern Africa and average no more than 12 guests. Each journey is tailor made, with clients having the ability to add additional experiences based on their interests. To add further peace of mind, safari investments are protected with options for travel insurance that include cancel for any reason and Future Travel Credits. Preferred partners have been vetted to ensure adherence to strict security, wellbeing and hygiene standards, plus African Travel provides pre-departure tips and links to paperwork, as well as itineraries with time-saving testing. African Travel’s ‘peace of mind’ promise also includes 24/7 concierge care, with local offices in Africa and experts based across North America allowing for easy access to local hosts and safari specialists.
MONTREAL — Air Transat’s brand new ‘connectair by Air Transat’ service has officially launched, allowing travellers to combine Air Transat flights with those from partner airlines. The virtual interlining platform provides travellers with access to a wider range of destinations using technology developed by Dohop, which offers connection options and attractive fares based on departure and destination cities. The booking also includes a ‘Dohop Connect’ guarantee in case of flight delay or cancellation, providing a replacement flight at no extra cost.
“This platform is enabling us to expand our range with trusted partners and offer consumers a simple and efficient purchasing experience.” “With connectair by Air Transat, we are becoming the first Canadian airline to offer a virtual interlining service,” says Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. “This platform is enabling us to expand our range with trusted partners and offer consumers a simple and efficient purchasing experience.” Guérard adds that the airline is adding a total of more than 135 new destinations to the approximate 60 it already offers in the South, the U.S., Europe and Canada. “This new service, perfectly aligned with our network development ambitions, enables us to better meet the needs of our passengers and to expand internationally in anticipation of the increased demand expected in 2022,” she adds. Partner airlines include British airline easyJet and Columbian airline Avianca, with additional partners gradually joining the platform to offer a wide range of destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America. To start using the service go to connectair.airtransat.com. November 25, 2021 | TRAVELWEEK | 19
