Coronavirus Message for Traveling Groups

Last Updated: 12:00 23rd April 2020 

We understand there are concerns for traveling groups following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID 19). As a member of the School Travel Forum (STF) and ABTA, inspiresport take guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises British people against all non-essential travel worldwide. This advice took effect immediately on 17th March and further advise published on 6th April says this is for an indefinite period..

If your tour is scheduled to depart, we will have been in contact with the Party Leader of your group to advise of current options.

Please be patient while we do this. Discussions are taking place between travel industry bodies such as ABTA and the STF and the relevant Government departments about how the industry needs to respond to the current crisis. As a result, we have been advised to wait for further guidance before making any decisions on how to process tours which will no longer be taking place on their original dates.

Travel Advice against all non-essential travel: Foreign Secretary’s statement, 17 March 2020

Please find a joint statement from all the major associations within the educational visits and tours sector dated 23rd Apr’20 HERE

Parents and Guardians
We appreciate this is a hugely challenging time for everyone. Under data protection and child safeguarding policies, we are unable to discuss information regarding specific tours with anyone other than the named Party Leader. Please be assured our primary focus is to liaise with them to ensure they have up-to-date information and relevant options regarding the group booking. If you have any queries please contact your Party Leader directly.

Frequently asked questions

The FCO advice has changed, can I cancel my trip?
Where the  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) make changes to advice, and there is no end date to these restrictions we will work within ABTA guidelines and amend/cancel holidays with imminent travel.

What is inspiresport’s policy on trips to destinations affected?
We base our responses on FCO advice in line with other tour operators. If the FCO advise against travel to a specific area we will contact all our affected customers in departure date order.

Is it safe to travel?
The situation is currently changeable we are continually monitoring the FCO travel advice and will contact our customers if their tours are impacted with imminent travel.

What will happen if my trip, booked for later this year can’t go ahead because a hotel or town/resort are in lock down?
If the FCO travel advice hasn’t changed we will try to find an alternative trip. If these alternatives are classed as a minor change eg the same standard hotel in the same resort, this will not trigger the right to cancel with a full refund, nor receive compensation. If alternatives can’t be arranged, or the alternatives constitute a significant change to your trip you have the right to cancel and if you chose this option we will offer a full refund of the tour price. Customers won’t be entitled to any additional compensation, as the reason is outside our control.

My balance payment for my inspiresport tour is due – should I go ahead and pay ?
Yes, normal booking conditions apply. We are continually monitoring the FCO travel advice and will contact our customers if  trips are impacted.

I don’t want to pay my balance until I know it is safe to travel due to the Cornoavirus outbreak.
Our normal Terms and Conditions apply however if you have concerns we may be able to amend your inspiresport booking to travel at a later date or destination subject to our booking terms and conditions.

Will my insurance cover me?
All insurance policies vary. We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider.

Are there any precautions I can take?
We recommend customers visit the FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest travel information which includes a link through to the National Travel Health Network and Centre

What’s happening at the airports when I arrive or leave?
Airports have introduced various measures across destinations and airports. Please visit your arrival/departure airport website for the specific measures that have been introduced.

Further questions?
If you have further questions and would like to speak to someone please call our Head Office on 02920 390 747 and press Option 1 where we have specialist advisers on-hand to offer advice and support.