Current safety updates
Kenya Ministry of Tourism - 3 October 2011Following an incident on Manda Island, off Lamu, on Sat 01 Oct, in which a French national was apparently taken hostage, the Kenyan government announced in a statement (dated 02 Oct 2011) that it is working closely with international authorities to ensure that the effects of the civil unrest which has affected Somalia for so long, do not further encroach into Kenya. This follows last month's incident in which a British couple were kidnapped (and one killed) at Cheli & Peacock's Kiwayu Safari Resort close to the border with Somalia. These incidents involving Somalian nationals occurred hundreds of kilometres from Kenya's most popular beach and safari destinations, and - with the exception of the northernmost coast - do not affect any these, despite the travel advisories issued by some countries. The statement emphasized the government?s intent, due to the importance of tourism to Kenya's economy, to ensure that visitors can enjoy their stay in Kenya without apprehension. FCO travel advice has been adjusted to the following: "We advise against all but essential travel to coastal areas within 150 kilometres of the Somali border, following two attacks by armed gangs in small boats against beach resorts in the Lamu area on 11 September and 1 October 2011. This advice will be kept under review. Both attacks were on beach-front properties, with two Westerners kidnapped and one murdered. Beach-front accommodation in that area and boats off the coast are vulnerable." Families Worldwide does not currently offer programmes that feature this area. |
Morocco - 03 May 2011Following the recent incident in Marrakech, we have been considering the safety of clients due to travel to Morocco and have now reviewed operational arrangements for forthcoming departures. Given that Morocco is a stable kingdom with no recent history of terrorist incidents, we have concluded that any risks associated with this isolated incident can easily be reduced by minor itinerary changes. Having taken into consideration the Travel Advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the recommendations of our colleagues in Morocco - based on their knowledge and experience - we have decided not to cancel any of our planned trips to Morocco for the foreseeable future. This is in line with most other UK tour operators. We have, however, taken the decision to modify the itinerary for all groups travelling to Morocco in May 2011, in order to avoid visiting Marrakech's Djemma El Fna (the main square) and minimise the amount of time spent in the city. All other 2011 itineraries will be reviewed as required nearer their departure date. On all of our trips the vast majority of time is spent outside urban centres i.e. in rural areas where there is little or no risk. If, however, our groups have to overnight in Marrakech e.g. on arrival from the UK, or the night prior to departure for the UK, we shall make a point of using accommodation outside the immediate area of the Djemma El Fna, and ensure appropriate use of our time in Marrakech to avoid major tourist attractions. The safety of our clients is our foremost priority, and we shall continue to monitor the situation in Morocco closely and review our operation there on a regular basis. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any concerns or questions or wish to discuss this personally. |
Marrakech, Morocco - 28 April 201116:00hrs 28th April 2011 |
Egypt - 11 March 2011The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Families Worldwide. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. We are pleased to advise that Families Worldwide departures from 01st April 2011 will operate as scheduled to Egypt. Families Worldwide have carefully considered the status of current government travel warnings along with information from our experienced Cairo ground team. Families Worldwide travellers in Cairo will be advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and respect any advice or instruction from their tour guides and the local security authorities. Small itinerary changes for some trips may be necessary. Where advance notice of required change is available we will notify travellers directly or via their booking agent before travel. Please contact your travel consultant if you have any questions in the meantime. We will update this site if there are changes to these arrangements or the local situation. |
Egypt - 04 February 2011We have been operating Family Adventure Holidays in Egypt for many years and are concerned at developments over the last few weeks. The safety of our customers is of paramount importance, and we are monitoring advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) closely as well as staying in close contact with our local agents. In the light of this advice we have decided to cancel our 19 February Family Nile Cruise departure and our 19 February Feluccas and Pyramids. We are in regular contact with our local agents in Cairo and will monitor the situation closely over the coming week. We are currently making contingency plans for future departures in case the situation does not improve and will update this website on Thursday 10 February. |
Egypt - 31 January 2011We have been operating Family Adventure Holidays in Egypt for many years and are concerned at developments over the last few days. The safety of our clients must come first and we have decided to cancel our 05 February Family Nile Cruise departure. We have been in contact with our supplier in Cairo today and will monitor the situation closely over the coming week. We are currently making contingency plans for future departures in case the situation does not improve and will update this website on Thursday 03 February. |