Contiki holidays: How party tour has changed amid COVID

It’s the adventure known for crowded coaches and wild nights out — but Contiki tours are back, with a slight twist.

Youth tour company Contiki says young travellers will play a major role in reviving Australia’s battered tourism industry as it launches its first tour since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Travellers from Queensland joined the first Contiki tour in the world since lockdowns began when they headed off to North Queensland spots such as Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Magnetic Island earlier this month.

But Contiki tours in the COVID era won’t include the raucous nights out, crowded coaches and hotel room-swapping of decades past — not only have young travellers outgrown that revelry, COVID safety is a must.

Tweaks have been made to tours to ensure hygiene and safety including masks and physical distancing, pre-trip health declarations and hospital-grade air filtration systems on coaches.

Contiki’s managing director Katrina Barry said the company was working with government authorities to make sure hygiene standards and protocols were up to scratch and boosting the training of trip managers.

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Contiki tours are back, with COVID safety. Picture: Contiki

“We are absolutely committed to the wellbeing of our guests, only working with trusted partners and are very selective when choosing hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that meet the expected guidelines, standards and specifications,” Ms Barry told news.com.au.

“With all the details sorted, youths will explore via coach, trains and sailing; and stay in comfy hostels, hotels, eco-lodges and glamping tents.

“Expect lots of included local, cultural, foodie, wellness, active and conscious travel experiences: all these inclusions are what makes these ready-made groups on-the-go so appealing.”

While the hiatus on international travel continues, the reopening of state borders is giving Australians the opportunity to explore their own backyard — and young people are likely to lead the charge.

Recent research by Contiki found about 64 per cent of pent-up millennial travellers were ready to go on a trip ASAP, typically because they had more savings to spend on travelling.

The research also found younger Australians were more keen to travel domestically (54 per cent, compared to 40 per cent across all age groups), likely due to a feeling of having already seen international destinations, and wanting to explore Australia more.

Contiki tourists are looking for foodie, cultural, wellness and conscious travel experiences. Picture: Contiki

The nine-day North Queensland tour was the first time Contiki had taken tourists to Magnetic Island, off Townsville, in about 20 years.

“With the day-to-day monotony of lockdown and social distancing, it’s been a tough year for Millennials and Gen Z – they should be out there living their best life and enjoying their gap

year and milestones,” Ms Barry said.

“With the world brought to a standstill and international borders shut, more than ever, they’re

seeking unique local experiences, realising the time is now to explore their own backyard and own the lockdown, so to speak.

“It’s incredibly important to be supporting local businesses and communities across Australia, deeply affected by the pandemic and bushfires,” she added.

“This generation plays such an essential role in kickstarting tourism.”

Contiki is focusing on delivering Australian experiences while the future of international travel remains uncertain. Picture: Contiki

Contiki has a new Aussie Adventures tour category of 14 domestic trips, ranging from four to 11 days, which take young travellers to iconic destinations such as Kakadu, Uluru’s Field of Lights, Rottnest Island off Western Australia, Margaret River and the wineries of South Australia, as well as the ultimate road trip on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

It’s also offering a “flexibility promise” on bookings paid in full by March 31 next year, which means travellers can lock in their tour but can change their trip or departure date with no change fees, should conditions change due to the pandemic.

Ms Barry said while the past few months had been “challenging” for the business, support had remained strong.

“Thankfully we have such a solid and supportive network of past guests and future travellers that have remained connected during these unprecedented times,” she said.

“Travel has always brought people together, and now even more so as we share stories and

memories virtually. The excitement is bubbling as we await news of a vaccine that will enable

borders to open up confidently.”