As I write this, there's quite a bit of consternation and concern over the emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Our first priority in conducting business will always be doing right by our clients, regardless of whether it means making a sale. Among our colleagues and the travel providers with whom we work, the credo of "Client First" is a must. We will only deal with those whom we trust.
Before getting to some of the particulars of the COVID-19 issue, let's talk about risk. Risk is not often mentioned in marketing literature because of the negative implications of the word, but managing risk is part of why we all work with professionals. We trust medical doctors to help us find the path to better health. We hire professional home inspectors look over prospective purchases to alert us to possible health and safety issues in the homes we purchase.
And, in the realm of travel, we turn to those who will guide us to make the best decisions to safeguard our investment of time and money, and ensure safety and the enjoyment of our journey.
Before getting to some of the particulars of the COVID-19 issue, let's talk about risk. Risk is not often mentioned in marketing literature because of the negative implications of the word, but managing risk is part of why we all work with professionals. We trust medical doctors to help us find the path to better health. We hire professional home inspectors look over prospective purchases to alert us to possible health and safety issues in the homes we purchase.
And, in the realm of travel, we turn to those who will guide us to make the best decisions to safeguard our investment of time and money, and ensure safety and the enjoyment of our journey.
It's always worth dealing with trusted professionals.
How do quality travel advisors achieve this level of trust? First and foremost through attitude, combined with training and experience. At Elán, we're privileged to be connected to a high-quality travel consortium that carefully vets advisors and vendors (Virtuoso). We maintain honest relationships with travel providers throughout the world, to whom we turn for questions regarding local destinations. And we avail ourselves of industry resources providing unvarnished reviews, as well as real-time reporting on the entire range of issues that might confront a traveler. Knowledge is key.
As is the credo, Client First.
So, what about COVID-19? We won't pretend to be doctors, but we will tell you that much of what is being reported in the popular press and circulated in social media is inaccurate. Our colleagues on the ground in the places that are the subject of sensationalist stories are, as of this date, relating that, for most, life is continuing normally. Venturing just a wee bit into science, epidemiology tells us that COVID-19 will continue to spread, but that the rate of transmission and consequences of infection are much in line with previous viral outbreaks, and that it is presently a less ubiquitous risk than seasonal flu, though young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
We always urge our clients to be mindful of health risks. If you're allergic to walnuts and you want to visit the Walnut Capital of the World, be careful about what you eat. If you're presently suffering from a chronic disease or disability, help us find the right destination (hold off on summiting Kilimanjoro until after your knee replacement surgery). And, plan ahead; we can help you find specialists in travel medicine, who will discuss your travel plans and provide appropriate immunizations and medications to take along (this can be of importance in some areas of the world).
Finally, give some consideration to travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage. It's unlikely that you'll be taken down by COVID-19, but there are times when accidents and unexpected illnesses occur. Insurance coverage won't help if you're simply uneasy about traveling, but in the event of cancellations, travel prohibitions, or simply an unforeseen medical issue, it may provide important financial protection. Again, a travel advisor can guide you to the best decision.
All of which brings us back to discussing your travel plans with the professionals. Our connection to a multitude of resources will allow you to make reasonable travel decisions for you and your loved ones. But, the message we're hearing presently is that, with the exception of some very limited areas, travel is no more risky today than it was before the COVID-19 headlines and social media posts began ramping up a few weeks ago.
So, don't deprive yourself of the wonders that the world has to offer based on a Facebook post. Talk with us or other travel professionals about your plans. The splendor of the planet awaits you.
Travel beyond....
How do quality travel advisors achieve this level of trust? First and foremost through attitude, combined with training and experience. At Elán, we're privileged to be connected to a high-quality travel consortium that carefully vets advisors and vendors (Virtuoso). We maintain honest relationships with travel providers throughout the world, to whom we turn for questions regarding local destinations. And we avail ourselves of industry resources providing unvarnished reviews, as well as real-time reporting on the entire range of issues that might confront a traveler. Knowledge is key.
As is the credo, Client First.
So, what about COVID-19? We won't pretend to be doctors, but we will tell you that much of what is being reported in the popular press and circulated in social media is inaccurate. Our colleagues on the ground in the places that are the subject of sensationalist stories are, as of this date, relating that, for most, life is continuing normally. Venturing just a wee bit into science, epidemiology tells us that COVID-19 will continue to spread, but that the rate of transmission and consequences of infection are much in line with previous viral outbreaks, and that it is presently a less ubiquitous risk than seasonal flu, though young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
We always urge our clients to be mindful of health risks. If you're allergic to walnuts and you want to visit the Walnut Capital of the World, be careful about what you eat. If you're presently suffering from a chronic disease or disability, help us find the right destination (hold off on summiting Kilimanjoro until after your knee replacement surgery). And, plan ahead; we can help you find specialists in travel medicine, who will discuss your travel plans and provide appropriate immunizations and medications to take along (this can be of importance in some areas of the world).
Finally, give some consideration to travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage. It's unlikely that you'll be taken down by COVID-19, but there are times when accidents and unexpected illnesses occur. Insurance coverage won't help if you're simply uneasy about traveling, but in the event of cancellations, travel prohibitions, or simply an unforeseen medical issue, it may provide important financial protection. Again, a travel advisor can guide you to the best decision.
All of which brings us back to discussing your travel plans with the professionals. Our connection to a multitude of resources will allow you to make reasonable travel decisions for you and your loved ones. But, the message we're hearing presently is that, with the exception of some very limited areas, travel is no more risky today than it was before the COVID-19 headlines and social media posts began ramping up a few weeks ago.
So, don't deprive yourself of the wonders that the world has to offer based on a Facebook post. Talk with us or other travel professionals about your plans. The splendor of the planet awaits you.
Travel beyond....