G Adventures to launch support fund for guides

Founder of both, Bruce Poon Tip, was asked about support for its wider network during a Face To Face interview with TTG last week.

“We introduced bonuses for some of our porters – and gave money to families who were out of work,” he said.

He added now G Adventures had passed its “most difficult decisions”, it was looking at more comprehensive support packages, such as the Planeterra grants and dollar-matching for CEOs. “We’re still looking to do more,” he said.

Meanwhile, with social distancing and cleanliness measures likely necessary when tourism restarts, Poon Tip was asked what might need to change about G Adventures’ tours.

“Our challenge is we work with very small-scale hotels, transportation providers and partners locally that will have to meet new cleanliness standards. “[We have to] think about how we can bring confidence to what we do.”

He added some elements of tours may have to change. “We used to promote trips on public transport. We have to rethink all of those things now.”

Poon Tip concluded with a message for agents: “We’ve always appreciated the support we receive from UK travel agents. Business will return to full strength, and we’ll work harder than anybody else to keep your business.”

Poon Tip has released a new free e-book Unlearn: The Year The Earth Stood Still, available on Apple Books.