Safety Policy
The safety of group members on visits is of primary concern to Arwain, and it is our policy to operate any occasion with the highest standards of health and safety that are reasonably practicable. By any reasonable definition of the term, group travel is safe but accidents can and do happen occasionally.
Our commitments to our clients are as follows:
- We will endeavour to promote a positive health & safety culture throughout our own and our supplier’s organisations world-wide.
We will endeavour to set standards that meet the needs of our clients that are measurable, achievable and realistic.
Accommodation
All accommodation used by Arwain is either requested directly, or through an agent (an organisation that has access to a variety of accommodation types to find suitable and available options.). Often they also organise other parts of a package, such as transport or excursions. If any component of a tour is booked through an agent, their details will be included on the final itinerary.
All Accommodation:
- A contract is signed confirming (as a minimum) that the accommodation conforms to local & national fire, safety & hygiene standards and additionally a set of specific safety standards.
- We will ensure that children and adults are accommodated separately and according to gender breakdowns.
Accommodation supplied via Agents:
- All of the above (All accommodation)
We shall ensure the agent signs an agent contract confirming that each accommodation they offer has a current fire certificate, the appropriate insurance cover, and hygiene certificate or local equivalent.
Transport
All Coach Operators used by Arwain are either requested directly, or through an agent. (an organisation that has access to a variety of coach operators to find suitable and available options.). Often they also organise other parts of a package, such as accommodation or excursions. If any component of a tour is booked through an agent, their details will be included on the final itinerary.
Transport - Bus:
- We will endeavour to select coach operators who belong to recognised industry bodies.
- We will ensure all coach companies used sign a contract in which they confirm that they comply with all national, local, trade & other laws, regulations, rules and codes of practice. This contract also stipulates a set of safety standards regarding drivers’ hours, driver vetting, insurance cover and vehicle age.
Transport - Public:
- Appropriate means of public transport will be arranged whenever this is the best means of getting the group to its destination.
- Public transport regulations are determined by the appropriate authorities in each country. As this is outside our control, it is not felt that any additional measures can be taken by Arwain.
Transport - Air:
- All transport by air from the UK is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and adheres to strict safety measures. No additional measures need be undertaken by Arwain.
- All transport by air outside the UK is governed by foreign national regulating bodies. Again, no additional measures need be undertaken by Arwain.
Transport - Ferry / Eurostar / Eurotunnel:
- All ferries and Eurotunnel are regulated nationally. For major British ferry companies used, we will check on an annual basis that levels of on board safety are being maintained, and pass on any safety information provided to our groups in final documents.
Travel Insurance
Safety and enjoyment are equally important when travelling, especially with Arwain. Therefore, we would recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance before you travel; including medical expenses, personal accidents and returning home. Having insurance that includes cover for baggage, personal liability and cancellation would also be recommended.
It would be a good idea to buy your travel insurance when you book your trip with Arwain, as the insurance for cancellation will start on the start date of the policy. This would therefore have you covered if you had to cancel your trip for various reasons.
