Covid Update
Operational and Biosecurity Guidelines
Due to the ongoing impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve made a number of updates to our safety guidelines and flexible booking conditions. The safety and wellbeing of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our priority as the world begins to open up again.
These guidelines are in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization and following the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators. Before we resume trips in any destination, our itineraries will have undergone a comprehensive risk assessment and audit.
- Remote working
- Promote digital communication.
- Flexible Booking Conditions: Customers will be supported by flexible booking conditions to stay home if unwell or displaying symptoms.
- Flexible Work Conditions: the agency will support leaders and crew to stay home rather than lead a trip if they are unwell or displaying symptoms.
- Pre-departure, all customers are required to fill out an online questionnaire (“self- declaration/assessment” form) to identify any high-risk customers before travel.
- Frequent auditing and monitoring should take place to ensure compliance of current health and safety standards at all levels.
- Develop segmented and sustainable products focused on nature, rural areas and culture: eco-tourism, small group or individual sports, history, bird-watching tourism, traditional routes.
- Promote ‘fly-and-drive’ packages, rent-a-car services and combined hotel & car packages.
- Leaders must ensure customers are briefed and on the importance of adhering the World Health Organization protocols on how to reduce chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions
- Make sure there is regular access to hand washing facilities.
- Regularly clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (if soap is not readily available use alcohol based sanitizers)
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Make sure good respiratory hygiene is practiced (covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze)
- Comply with local regulations on correct usage of masks
- Educate leaders, crew, staff and customers on the correct method to handle and dispose of a mask.
- Clear guidance on physical distancing measures
- Stay informed and follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals
- Avoid crowded places
- On Trip: Ask customers, leaders, crew and staff to monitor their own health
- If customers, leaders or crew show symptoms of COVID-19 and are either unable to or unwilling to be tested, Cacao Travel Panama reserves the right to remove them from our trips to prevent any risk to others.
- Require all suppliers to detail their cleaning and sanitation protocols
- Audit/monitor all suppliers on their cleanliness and sanitation.
- All cleaning and disinfecting products must be approved by health authorities (e.g. WHO).
- All vehicles and vessels must be thoroughly cleaned between guests with all high touch surfaces in shared areas regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer should be made available
- All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guest use
- Staff must be trained and able to answer questions regarding safety protocols in place.
- All rooms must be thoroughly cleaned between guests with all high touch surfaces in shared areas regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer should be available in public areas.
- There must be a process in place for customers to escalate any concerns regarding hygiene or sanitation.
The tourism sector is committed to putting people and their wellbeing first and all actors are working together to ensure a safe return to our activities.