Tour called off at the last second
It’s such an odd feeling. I was ready to go. The tour file was in my hands and I was working with it. My book, maps, ‘intel,’ games, prizes, foreign currency, itineraries, extra name tags and lots, lots more – ready in my briefcase.
I’d started to make my tour pre-calls. I’d checked on our lunch stop and our hotel en route to YVR. Double-checked clients’ selections for a lovely dinner with live music. Called local coaches and limo transfer drivers: yes, all ready. I’d phoned Victoria and Vancouver clients to introduce myself, ‘see you at the airport’ … and we’d discussed the opportunity to check-in online for our flight. I’d had WhatsApp video calls with our local guide who was waiting for us, a world away.
I was a typical, very busy, pre-tour tour director — like a race horse ready in the gates. This time: excited to be leaping out to take our group to super-natural New Zealand.
But the world was changing every minute. Fortunately, our company owner Roland and our incredible staff team have more than 48 years of combined travel/tourism experience. They were (and are) entrenched in the knowledge-gathering and essential decision-making required to keep our travellers – booked on all our tours – safe.
So, even though it was down to the wire. And, especially because it was down to the wire — the tour was postponed. Good decision.
Of course, we’re disappointed. A tour to New Zealand is one of those wonderful, farflung experiences. But, as our staff made calls, each client understood. They (you) were watching the news along with us and hearing the emergent health and travel advisories; it wasn’t a huge surprise that we couldn’t go. At least, not right now.
So ‘race horse’ tour director Jill went "back to the barn" this time. I dismantled the file and started unpacking. It was over to our great office team to move all aspects into plans for next year.
As more tours have, and might be, postponed or cancelled during this unprecedented time, my fellow tour directors and I are thinking of everyone and sending our best. We so enjoy escorting our Wells Gray Tours’ travellers. You bring our work alive; we love helping you experience wonderful adventures at home and abroad! Stay healthy and we’ll see you soon.