Australian holidaymakers remain committed to their South American travel plans, despite increased health concerns across the region.
Over the past week, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated its advice for several South American and Caribbean countries as the mosquito-borne virus, Zika, continues to affect locals and recent visitors.
DFAT is urging Australians, particularly pregnant women, to protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent infection of the disease after it was linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil.
“Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, pregnant women should consider postponing travel.”
DFAT
Among the countries to receive the update include Venezuela, Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil and El Salvador.
Tour operators and wholesalers
Despite warnings, tour operators and wholesalers say they’ve received little to no cancellations from Australian tourists.
Speaking to KarryOn, Chimu Adventures Co-Founder, Greg Carter, said the tour operator received its first cancellation last night in London.
The cancellation came from a pregnant woman with an upcoming trip to Brazil. He said the company was able to reschedule her on a later departure despite the last minute request.
“We don’t think there will be mass concern, seeing at the moment it seems to be more of a link with pregnant visitors to affected areas.”
Greg Carter, Chimu Adventures Co-Founder
“Most of our clients are aged over 55 so this necessarily isn’t a concern.”
He continued, explaining that Zika has been around for some time and only around one in five people with the disease develop symptoms.
Travel agents and clients are able to contact Chimu with concerns or questions.
The same offer was came from G Adventures‘ local Managing Director, Belinda Ward, who said the company hasn’t received any requests for cancellation from Australian or New Zealand travellers.
She urged agents and clients to regularly check for updates with Smart Traveller and “get in touch with us if they have any questions or concerns”.
“As with any major event that may impact on travel plans, we would advise them to check their travel insurance policies.”
Belinda Ward, G Adventures Managing Director
Founder and Chief Journey Specialist at Boutique South America, Katherine Garces, said the company also hasn’t had any cancellations in relation to Zika and isn’t expecting any to come through.
She said while the number of pregnant Australian women booking South America through the company is quite low, she would advise any females who are pregnant or looking to fall pregnant in the near future against travel to any region where the outbreaks have been reported.
“All travellers of any age or gender to South America, Central America and other regions in Asia and even North America where outbreaks have been reported should take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling to minimize any risks of contracting the virus.”
Katherine Garces, Boutique South America Founder
She said cancellation policies on refunds will vary and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
“As a wholesaler, we prepay our arrangements and will be subject to the individual booking policies of each service,” she added.
“Where we can we will attempt to recoup this but it will be at the original supplier’s discretion. In the case refunds are not possible, we would advise clients to check with their travel insurance fund and policy details.”
Airlines
On the other hand, airlines such as United, American Airlines and LAN have adjusted their policies for travellers with tickets booked for South and Central America.
In a statement to KarryOn, the LATAM Airlines Group said in the case of pregnant women, the airline is offering alternatives for those booked to: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, French Guiana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Surinam and Venezuela.
They can can select to return on an earlier flight without additional fees; or change their flight destination or request a ticket refund.
A medical statement mentioning the weeks of gestation will be required.
Meanwhile, American Airlines and United will allow concerned customers to cancel or postpone their trips if they’re ticketed to travel to an area affected by the mosquito-borne virus, USA Today reported.
United’s police will include Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Paraguay, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.
KarryOn has contacted cruise lines to see if they will re-route ships visiting affected areas.