Oct. 23, 2020

Dreaming of travelling somewhere far away? Planning a staycation and finally exploring your own city or town? Thinking of visiting Vancouver Island and going whale watching?

What can you do safely, and how can you find out what the different protocols are for different businesses? These are all questions we think of when we look toward the future and start planning ahead.

Luckily, the World Travel and Tourism Council has put together a system for recognizing businesses that have adopted globalized standard protocols for health and hygiene—Safe Travels.  These rules are in line with the latest government and health authority recommendations and are customized for a variety of different tourism sectors.

We’re a Safe Travels member!

At Eagle Wing, we want everyone to have an outrageous amount of fun on our tours—and stay safe while doing it!

That’s why Eagle Wing Tours is proud to be a member of Safe Travels. As we head into the winter months, our extensive health and safety measures—praised by our guests for their thoroughness—remain in place to help keep you, our staff and our business safe.

Our safety measures are guided by the advice of public health authorities, WorkSafe BC and Transport Canada. They include contact-free check-in, mandatory mask use, reduced passenger numbers on vessels, a dedicated safety coordinator on each tour, enhanced cleaning protocols, multiple hand sanitizer stations, and friendly reminders to socially distance wherever possible.

Our guests have adapted well to these new compulsory protocols. Thanks to this diligence we’ve been able to experience many spectacular whale and wildlife encounters on the Salish Sea since we reopened in July.

What does the health-savvy traveller look for?

First, look for the green Safe Travels stamp (see above)!

If the business you’re thinking of visiting doesn’t have a Safe Travels stamp, call ahead and ask questions! What are the COVID-19 protocols they’ve put into place?

Key points to look for include:

• COVID-19 safety plan
• reduced capacity of customers/guests
• minimized touch points
• protocols to minimize physical contact
• physical distancing (6 ft. or 2 metres)
• mask policy for guests and staff
• cleaning and disinfection protocols
• coordinating with suppliers and partners to ensure consistent protocols
• seating plans
• COVID-19 symptom questionnaire before guest participation

By staying up to date on the latest science and recommendations and asking informed questions, you’ll be able to travel with confidence ensuring consistent protocols are met.

Most importantly, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your experience while staying safe and keeping others safe around you.

It’s a crazy world we live in, but together we can get through this and continue to safely explore our own back yard and beyond!

To book a tour visit us online, or contact us at info@eaglewingtours.com or 250-384-8008 or 1-800-708-9488.