LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA – The Italian airline Neos is to conduct experimental flights in the Canary Islands. This will help to determine the protocol to deliver corona-free travel. This protocol will then be used for other destinations.
‘Covid-tested holidays’
The first test phase of these ‘Covid-tested holidays’ from Alpitours, of which NEOS is part, will start at the end of March. The intention is that the security measures applied in the travel offer are tested and verified for their effectiveness.
Neos flights start on Saturday, March 27 from Milan-Malpensa to Tenerife and Fuerteventura. The following week there will also be flights from Verona to these two destinations. Hotels participating in the pilot are the Best Jacaranda and the H10 Costa Adeje Palace, in Tenerife. And in Fuerteventura, the Occidental Jandia Playa and the Barceló Castillo Beach Resort, are also included. The Alpitour Group hopes to usher in the new procedure for international holidays in this way.
After these experimental flights in the Canary Islands, the plan is to repeat the model in other destinations deemed suitable. Such as the Maldives, Madagascar, Zanzibar, the Dominican Republic, the Red Sea or Mexico.
Measures to ensure safety
The tourist corridors proposed by the Italian company include rapid antigen testing before travellers board. This measure has been applied by Neos since November 2020. A molecular test is conducted before departure in Italy. And a second test is performed at the destination resort for the return journey. The airline arranges and pays for the tests.
“In this way, travellers can feel comfortable about their safety and that of other passengers,” said an Alpitours spokesperson in TouriNews.es.
To give travellers more confidence, greater flexibility in reservations is also offered. People can change travel dates or cancel their booked trip in exchange for a voucher. Should a customer tests positive, they are offered protection and assistance.
