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Adventure travel company Explore has announced a new COVID-19 refund promise that sets out to reimburse the full costs of any customer’s trip*, where they are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 and are therefore unable to travel. The company has pledged to waive its usual cancellation charges and offer affected customers a full refund.

Customers who have booked through a travel agent can cancel on these grounds, which might include a diagnosis** within a month of their planned departure or confirmed contact with a case, up to the day of travel itself.

Joe Ponte, Managing Director at Explore, says: “These are unparalleled circumstances – in almost 40 years of business, we’ve never seen anything like it. There’s a need to restore trust and faith in the travel sector, and we believe strongly that a good company does the right thing in the tough times as well as the good. We want people to look forward to travelling with us again. If we can give our travel agents and their customers reassurance that we’ll keep them safe, that their money is safe with us and that, if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are required to quarantine, they’ll get their money back, then that’s a good start.”

Explore has continued to offer refunds, not only credit vouchers, when requested for any trips they have cancelled due to the pandemic and will continue to do so. The addition of the COVID-19 refund promise means that anyone required to self-isolate at short notice will have their money protected. This is all part of the company’s Book with Confidence pledge, to ensure agents and their customers can continue to book and Travel with Confidence with Explore.

Agents are also reminded that while international travel is currently restricted by the Government, Explore has two fantastic New Zealand journeys to offer your clients when the Trans-Tasman bubble opens:

Walking in New Zealand – This incredible 19-day walking and trekking trip will see you taking in the dramatic scenery of New Zealand’s North and South Island, travelling by foot on some of New Zealand’s most iconic trials including the Tongariro Crossing, Abel Tasman National Park, Pororari River Track and Key Summit on the Routeburn Track. Trips depart from November 2020 with a maximum of 15 travellers.

New Zealand Explorer – Head on a 19-day discovery across New Zealand, witnessing jaw-dropping natural wonders such as fjords, mountains, glaciers and sparkling lakes. On your journey from Auckland to Christchurch, you’ll appreciate the true beauty and fascinating history of our neighbouring country.

Both trips depart from November 2020 with a maximum of 15 travellers.

Agents can discover these trips for themselves using Explore’s Agent discount^ which gives 50% off for agents and 30% off for travelling companions.

For more information visit www.exploreworldwide.com.au or call 1300 439 756.