There’s a whole lotta goodness in this week’s Wholesaler Wrap, much unlike the diet of Travel Weekly’s editor over the weekend.

G Adventures unveils new ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy

G Adventures has introduced a new ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy which features new safety procedures across all future trips run by the wholesaler.

Designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both travellers and employees, while continuing to deliver the adventure of a lifetime, the policy includes new social distancing and hygiene measures that will be in place from the moment travellers join a trip until they depart.

Working with G Adventures’ global supplier network, the new policy encompasses transportation, where travellers eat, accommodation and activities on the ground.

It also highlights the importance of G Adventures’ small-group offering, which helps facilitate many of the new safety measures, as well as the key role played by the dedicated chief experience officers (or tour guides) to provide increased reassurance, local knowledge and support to travellers whilst on a trip.

Those wishing to read more about G Adventures’ new travel policy can do so via the company’s website.

In other news, G Adventures has announced the creation of three separate funds to support its chief experience officers, Inca Trail porters, cooks and horsemen, and local community projects that typically rely on tourism to survive and flourish.

Intrepid’s four-point plant to combat racism

After spending recent weeks discussing how to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Intrepid Travel has committed to four new actions to address systemic racism and discrimination within the company:

1. Mandatory anti-racism training for all team members by 30 September
2. Amplifying BIPOC voices in all of its marketing.
3. Acknowledging the intersection of climate justice and social justice.
4. Launching its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan by 30 June.

“While this is just the beginning, we must start to work together to rebuild the travel industry more equitably,” Intrepid Group boss James Thornton wrote in a recent post on LinkedIn.

Travelmarvel expands domestic offering

Travelmarvel has added two new and unique Australian itineraries as part the company’s ‘More to Explore’ campaign.

The first new journey is the seven-day ‘Victoria’s Great Lakes & High Country’, departing from Melbourne and has been designed to support bushfire-affected regions.

With three nights staying in Lakes Entrance and another three nights in Bright, this relaxed-paced tour is priced from $2,695 per person, twin share.

The second new trip – the seven-day ‘Red Centre Escape’ – covers the heart of the Northern Territory.

Guests will explore Uluru and Kings Canyon with walks around these Australian icons, while learning about indigenous culture. This trip, which also includes the Field of Light spectacular, is priced from $2,995 per person, twin share.

Both trips include a $500 per person discount for bookings made before 31 August 2020, or until sold out.

Wendy Wu Tours’ champagne surprise

Wendy Wu Tours surprised Cathy (pictured above, centre) from Helloworld Strathpine with a bottle of champagne – to celebrate its first 2021 campaign booking (28-day ‘Journey Through Central Asia’ tour) and thank her for her support.

Tamba Lebbie, head of sales at Wendy Wu Tours, said: “‘We’re delighted by the support of our trade partners promoting our special via social platforms and to their databases. During these uncertain times, we are very encouraged at the response and level of enquiry.”

Wendy Wu Tours’ ‘Can’t Wait To Go’ special offers $300 per person savings on more than 600 departures to Japan, Latin America, Vietnam, Central Asia, and more, with a deposit of only $99 per person required to secure a place. The promotion is in market to 30 June.

To view the tours included in the special visit, the Wendy Wu Tours website or call 1300 727 998.

Eclipse Travel introduces ‘Close to Home’ adventures

Eclipse Travel has fuelled a range of new tours for take-off throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The ‘Close to Home’ range showcases the favourite destinations and experiences of the company’s passionate and experienced staff.

Travellers can choose to explore the wilderness of the Kimberley on board a stylish cruise, trek through New Zealand’s South Island or immerse themselves in the cultures of Papua New Guinea.

Additional adventures will be added in the coming months, with clients able to select multiple trips and destinations. More info on the new tours is available on Eclipse Travel’s website.

The company has also introduced a new flexible booking policy, which allows clients to change their travel dates free of charge or transfer their deposit to another tour for any COVID-19 related cancellation.

50 Degrees North creates new resources for agents

Image: supplied by 50 Degrees North

Tour operator 50 Degrees North has created some a series of Nordic destination webinars and a brand-new Nordic Escapes travel podcast.

The first series of webinars, available on the company’s agent page, delve into the unusual Faroe Islands, describe the ins and outs of 50 Degrees North’s escorted ‘Christmas in Lapland’ tours and, provide an update on Norway, and offer practical tips and insights on travel itineraries in Sweden.

Nordic Escapes is a monthly podcast by 50 Degrees North that will begin in mid-August. The first podcast will be a short introduction, followed by monthly tips and insights on travelling in the Nordic region.

Treadright Foundation updates Animal Welfare Policy

The Treadright Foundation has launched its updated Animal Welfare Policy, which guides The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) brands in selecting wildlife experiences for their itineraries.

The policy provides greater detail to assist teams in vetting and assessing sanctuaries, private reserves and animal experiences around the world.

Included in the policy is guidance on: distinguishing between domestic and wild animals; unacceptable practices, including riding wild animals; ethically viewing animals in the wild and in enclosures, including zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centres.

TreadRight and TTC are committed ensuring all wildlife experiences on their trips meet the Animal Welfare Policy by 2021.

The full policy is available for download on TreadRight’s website.