Image by Christian Dorn from Pixabay |
"COVID-19 testing" has become one more
point that travel advisors need to add to their pre-departure checklists for
clients. It is one of many. Avril
Winkle, owner of Destinations Travel Services in
COVID-19 testing has added another complicated
layer to trip planning in 2022, especially with test shortages and
difficult-to-predict turnaround times from labs. Though many believe shortages
and delays are a short-term problem, testing before travel is likely here to
stay for at least some time. Here is how a smattering of advisors is handling
it.
Winkle talks to clients about what they are willing
to do to travel and are split them into two main groups. One is fully
vaccinated and boosted and likes the idea of destinations that require everyone
to provide proof of negative COVID-19 tests so they feel as safe as possible.
The other is not vaccinated, does not want to jump through hoops, and will
probably end up going somewhere without said hoops to jump through, largely
In her area, the
Bernice Bakley, the owner of Huntley Travel in
Huntley, IL., starts the conversation about testing early and ensures clients
get appointments on the books a few weeks ahead whenever possible. "It's
not something that's an afterthought," she said. In fact, at Huntley
Travel, it has become as important a topic as to whether the client has a valid
passport that does not expire in the coming months.
Justin Smith, president of the Evolved Traveler in
This is perhaps the most direct solution heard from
Kim Gorres, owner of a Travel Leaders Agency in New Richmond, Wis. She does
testing in-house. The idea came from a client who did lab work for the judicial
system and added COVID-19 testing to the mix. She asked if it was something she
could do from her office, and the answer was yes. She received equipment and
training for several employees and, in early 2021, opened as a testing center,
offering rapid antigen and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) COVID tests and flu/antigen
combined tests.
Today, Gorres said, testing is a full-time job for
one person at her agency. About 35 tests are conducted each day, which equates
to more than $5,000 a week in extra income. Moreover, it has another benefit.
"Besides making a bit of money at this, we are also bringing awareness
about our agency and have high hopes that we will have new clients because of
this awareness and the service they are getting with the testing," said
Gorres.