FRONT LINE Jours
Over the past two decades, Front Line Tours – a long-time Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice favorite - has garnered a loyal base of regular, repeat customers. Much of what customers like about the company is that it is family owned and operated. Randy and Jocelyne Jordan along with their son Paul own the business. Paul’s wife Melody is also involved and plays an integral role in the daily operations as well. Front Line Tours has earned its reputation as a top contender in the Readers’ Choice program year after year, by consistently offering excellent service and always putting the customer first.
Though the Hamilton-based business has been hard hit in face of the COVID-19 Pandemic, having had to halt tours and any kind of non-essential travel since mid March – things are finally starting to look like they will get back to some kind of ‘normal’ again soon.
The company services a wide geographic area including Hamilton, Burlington, London, Oakville, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Niagara and Brantford and specializes in bus tour packages. Packed itineraries led by a seasoned team of trip escorts, including dinners, visits to top destinations and guided tours really sets Front Line apart. Unfortunately, all trips within Canada or across the border were cancelled and the company was greatly affected when COVID hit, said Paul in a recent interview.
“It’s really been unprecedented. But finally, we are starting to see that things will be opening up again soon. It will be a slow return, but we are excited that we’ll soon be back as part of the provincial and federal government’s Phase 2 plan.” Along with others in the industry, they will be implementing many changes and are hopeful that they will be offering service within Canada again by late summer – early fall. As a member of the Ontario Motor Coach Association, Paul was asked to be a recent panelist to provide input on what protocols should be in place as business resumes. The OMCA has been working diligently to figure out what motor coach travel will look like in the future.
“The safety of our customers is our number one priority. All of the necessary precautions are being considered including adding plexiglass partitions, reducing number of people allowed on a coach, increased and enhanced sanitization processes and even the use of virus foggers – which are high intensity air purifiers.”
Jordan says his core customers- most of them 55 plus – have mixed emotions about the return of travel. Some are nervous and have normal trepidations, but others are optimistic and excited to get things going again.
Known as the company that has been ‘making memories’ for over 20 years, Front Line Tours is also excited to soon to be back at it.
“We know it’s a sensitive topic, but our customers can rest assured that we are always going to put their safety first. Our escorts are so excited to welcome our guests. It’s going to be great to be back.” All of Front Line’s partners including Attridge Transportation (their coach supplier), hotels, and destination and entertainment companies are also committed to a new way of operating. Buffets may no longer be part of the dining experience; PPE measures are being examined and contingency plans will be in place for possible cancellations in the event that things change unexpectedly. “We are still working out what it will look like, but we will be back. It may be different, but it will become our new normal.”
For more detailed information, visit frontlinetours.ca and/or call 1-855-943-4242.