World Journeys travel designer and Africa expert Tony O’Callaghan is currently in Botswana checking out luxury camps and lodges, prior to attending the Indaba trade show in Durban, South Africa. First on the agenda was andBeyond Savute Under Canvas, a mobile camp in a wild and remote setting, followed by a luxury chalet at Savute Safari Lodge, both in wildlife-rich Chobe National Park.  Next up is the famed Okavango Delta.

If timing is everything, last night’s function to mark 15 years of operation by World Journeys was right on cue, say the company’s directors and management team.

‘We’re delighted that our 15th birthday coincides perfectly with the re-emergence of travel,’ says Chris Lyons, one of World Journeys’ founding directors.

'Welcome back to the world, and also it's our 15th birthday.' That was the message from World Journeys' directors and staff at its 15th anniversary function in Auckland last night.

• Davina Bennetto, director of sales... Davina Bennetto, director of sales...
• Travel Managers' Kristina Parkinson, Sue... Travel Managers' Kristina Parkinson, Sue...
• Stephen Tanner, Walshe Group and... Stephen Tanner, Walshe Group and...
• Chris Paykel, Qatar Airways; Eboni... Chris Paykel, Qatar Airways; Eboni...
• Ali Sharp and Anita Gatley,... Ali Sharp and Anita Gatley,...
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World Journeys reports Covid testing is no longer required for entry to Uruguay, providing visitors are fully vaccinated. 

‘This is great news for travellers looking to travel to South America and include several countries in their itinerary, which is the current trend,’ says director and South America specialist Chris Lyons. 

World Journeys’ Africa specialist travel designer Tony O’Callaghan says PCR tests prior to arrival are no longer required by fully vaccinated travellers for entry to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, the Seychelles and Mauritius. 

Travellers must have proof of vaccination and there will be some Covid screening on arrival, but no quarantine is required. 

‘We have all the up-to-date information for each destination, and can guide agents through the specific requirements for their clients’ bookings,’ says O’Callaghan.

World Journeys reports that families travelling with teens have a new option for safaris in Africa. 

Luxury safari operator andBeyond has introduced a new series of WILDchild Eco-Guide Challenges, immersing young people in Africa’s natural wonders and cultures. 

World Journeys reports that the Galapagos Marine Reserve has expanded to the northeast by 60,000sqkm, with the objective of creating an ‘ocean highway’ connection with Costa Rica’s Cocos Islands.

World Journeys reports that Rapa Nui (Easter Island) will reopen its doors to tourism with the resumption of regular flights on 3 February 2022 – more than a year since the island closed its borders.  World Journeys director and South America specialist, Chris Lyons says the significance of this is that Rapa Nui, as a special territory of Chile, is actually the last South American destination to reopen.

World Journeys advises that it is now possible to book Inca Trail trekking permits for travel in 2022. Agents should be aware that capacity in 2022 has been reduced to 200 tourists per day, and this, combined with travel postponed from 2021, means there will be pressure on availability. 

‘Agents should get their clients booked as soon as possible.  We recommend hiking the Inca Trail in the April to September period which provides more reliable weather,’ says Chris Lyons, director and South America specialist. 

World Journeys offers a four-day, three-night Inca Trail trek from $1,560 per person share twin, three-star, as well as alternative options such as the Choquequirao Trek and the Salkantay Trek. For the itinerary CLICK HERE.

A leading wholesaler is warning trade that their main challenge next year, when New Zealand borders eventually open up, is likely to be finding availability for clients– especially for high end accommodation and niche activities.

World Journeys director Chris Lyons says there is now no question that Europeans and Americans are living with Covid as vaccination rates continue to rise and that they are on the move again.