TOURCARE GUIDELINES
FOR TOUR OPERATORS

Travel is a vital part of human experience. It expands our understanding of people and cultures exponentially. Re-establishing confidence in tourism is crucial for the industry, the destinations and communities visited, and the traveling public.

The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), the European Tourism Association (ETOA), and the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) established public health guidelines designed specifically for tour operators.

The well-being of every traveler has always been a priority. To manage risk appropriately, tour operators have supported and implemented procedures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, increasing the level of safety for passengers, employees, and local communities visted. It is in the interests of operators and guests to restore and maintain confidence in travel. To this end, agreement to comply with health protocols must be a pre-condition of participation in group travel.

These guidelines are intended to promote tour operations that complement public health instructions and support such in-house protocols that may be in force within the supply chain. Sanitization procedures are consistent with prevailing public health advice, and as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

Travel is a shared experience. Passengers, tour operators, and suppliers need to take reasonable and sufficient precautions and comply with the  procedures and health protocols, such as proof of recognized vaccination and testing, required by local and international health organizations. These guidelines are intended to be a living document, subject to appropriate modification as needs evolve.