What happens to your travel plans if you get Covid this summer? Tourism operators recommend insurance

The New Zealand travel industry has warned holidaymakers to prepare for disruption to their plans if they contract Covid-19, and is encouraging New Zealanders to take out insurance in case their trip goes awry.

One traveler was wondering why he couldn’t change the dates of his booked accommodation or get a refund after contracting the virus last week. About free cancellation.

“I didn’t want to cancel my reservation, but kindly asked to change the date instead,” he said. Herald. “This kind of scenario should require human kindness. “

Rebecca Ingram, CEO of tourism industry Aotearoa, said it’s important for vacationers to have a plan on what to do if their trips are disrupted by Covid or other illnesses.

The Ministry of Health yesterday reported 7487 Covid-19 cases. That’s almost double the number of infections the day before, and experts believe the number could reach 10,000 by Christmas.

Ingram said domestic and foreign tourists should have travel insurance, a move supported by others in the industry.

“Tourism is reopening across the country, and operators are under pressure. It’s about understanding that things can be different,” she said.

“With COVID-19 now spreading across Aotearoa, New Zealand, tourism operators are reverting to pre-COVID cancellation procedures, so travelers should read their booking cancellation policies carefully. I have.”

An Air New Zealand spokesperson said the airline is “genuinely encouraging” customers to purchase insurance, even though the airline’s “Covid compassionate team” is still reviewing some refund requests. said.

“We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur and we encourage you to consider booking a Flexi fare for these situations.

“Flexi-change allows customers to change the time or date of their flight without a change fee. ‘ said the spokesperson.

A Flight Center spokeswoman said standard terms and conditions apply to most services, including hotels, tours and cruise operators, adding: “This is why it is so important for customers to have travel insurance. It is.”

The rules for refunds and rebooking are set by the operators themselves. Most lodging and travel agencies now charged standard change and cancellation fees.