COVID-19
(Update 15.10.2020)
What do we know?
The British and Irish Lions will tour South Africa in July and August 2021, playing five build up games to a three-Test series against the current world champions.
How have we prepared?
Three separate inspection and planning visits have produced a series of detailed packages for you to choose from. Our planning has factored in the safety of our tourists from start to finish on their South African experiences. Hotel locations, bespoke MSG events, transportation partners and itinerary routes have all been examined thorough series of risk assessments by MSG directors. All tours will commence a revised Covid risk assessment in March 2021 as part of our final itinerary planning and preparation.
Can I book my travel package with MSG?
Public sales commenced on 2nd September 2020. Our tours can be found here.
What happens if the Lions tour is postponed?
In the unlikely event that the 2021 Lions Tour is postponed, all bookings will be automatically moved to the new allocated dates announced by The British and Irish Lions and South African Rugby Football Union. No administration fees will be applied to this process.
What if the tour is cancelled?
If the Lions tour to South Africa is cancelled outright by The British and Irish Lions or South African Rugby Football Union, and not following advice issued by the FCDO, no refunds will be offered as our tour programmes will continue as advertised. Clients with disinclination to travel will be required to make a subsequent claim through their travel insurance provider. This advice is in accordance with section 6.2 of our Booking Terms and Conditions (a copy of which can be found here) and our responsibilities as an ATOL bonded and ABTA protected tour operator.
What if the FCDO advise against travel?
Any Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office directives advising against all non-essential travel to South Africa (during the advertised Lions series period) – in relation to ‘imminent travel’ – will be adhered to. An alternative holiday or refund would be offered if the Lions series dates cannot move as part of a postponement plan by the event organisers. This, again, meets our ATOL and ABTA obligations under the Package Travel Regulations.
There is no legal definition of ‘imminent travel’ – ABTA generally considers this to be ‘within a few days of travel’. The nature of our tour operating planning suggests a lengthier timeline would benefit both consumer and tour operator.
Therefore, MSG Tours Ltd considers the advice relevant and applicable for departures up to two weeks prior to scheduled travel date; this is the latest point where FCDO advice is reviewed against your chosen destination(s). If the FCDO advises against travel to your destination at this point, we will offer alternative options or a refund in line with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Regulations.