Tour Operators Aren’t Rushing to Ditch Mask Mandates

Photo Credit: A chief experience officer speaking to guests on a G Adventures trip in France G Adventures
Skift Take
Although tour operators frequently deal with customers frustrated about having to wear masks, they are sticking to their own mandates mostly, especially since many destinations where operators run trips still have rules in place.
A federal judge's decision last week to void the mask mandate on public transportation in the United States drove five major U.S. airlines to drop their mask requirements for passengers and staff on domestic flights. Dozens of public transit agencies in the U.S. also decided to lift their mask mandates following the ruling.
And as more industries are grappling with issues surrounding mask requirements, tour operators — one of the hardest hit sectors in travel during the pandemic — aren't rushing to lift any mandates, especially since many of them run trips in destinations where masks are still required in public settings. Tour operators are keeping their mandates in spite of tensions that have arisen from guests frustrated about having to wear masks.
"We continue to follow local regulations regarding masks, as there continue to be country-specific requirements," said Ste