the Ministry of Health and other government agencies will recommend an appropriate date to enter Phase 4, which pertains to the reopening of vendors, select attractions, casinos, cruises and ferries. Since 1950, tourism has played an integral role in The Bahamas’ economy, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s GDP and 60% of national employment. The country’s in-depth Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan outlines a strategic, phased reopening strategy to ensure a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination for both visitors and residents to enjoy. It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry. More details on the Minister’s address and the Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan may also be found at Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
ST KITTS AND NEVIS READIES FOR REOPENING WITH FOCUS ON TRAINING The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis plans to reopen its borders for international tourism in October. According to Dr the Hon. Prime Minister Timothy Harris, the reopening will allow for the continuation of air and commercial sea traffic carrying international passengers into the Federation’s ports – and the phased reopening is being implemented in partnership with St Kitts and Nevis Chief Medical Officer and other medical experts.
In preparation for the reopening, much of the focus – outside of initial regulations including that all passengers must take a RT-PCR test 72 hours before arriving in the country – has been on COVID-19 safety protocol training sessions for tourism stakeholders like taxi operators, attractions, hotels, stores, tour companies, vendors, watersports operators and beach bars. “ The St Kitts Tourism Authority, the Nevis Tourism Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism, in conjunction with the ministries of health and civil aviation, is conducting […] training exercises for over 5,000 tourism industry stakeholders, including hotels at no cost to them,” said Lindsay Grant, the Federation’s Minister of Tourism. The training aims to educate stakeholders on the health and safety protocols and standards that must be met to obtain the “Travel Approved” certification and seal from the respective Tourism Authority that will be required for them to operate.
St Kitts and Nevis has the lowest confirmed cases among CARICOM states, and there are currently no active cases. Zero deaths have also been recorded deaths due to the virus. In recent years, tourism in St Kitts and Nevis has been on the rise. The country hit the 1-million-cruise passenger milestone for two consecutive years. The sector is expected to continue at this trajectory, especially after the inauguration of a second cruise pier at Port Zante. GUATEMALA IMPLEMENTS GOOD PRACTICES GUIDE The Guatemalan Tourism Board – INGUAT – has set forth a Good Practices Guide program for the prevention of COVID-19 and other infections endorsed by the Guatemalan Ministry of Health, which is being implemented throughout all tourist destinations for the safety and well-being of all visitors.
Belize Planning October Tourism Reopening Belize is planning to reopen for tour-
ism on October 1, which will mark the beginning of a five-phase strategy with initial measures including “Safe Corridors” for visitors and travelers only permitted to stay in approved hotels and experience excursions subject to the “Gold Standard”
health and safety protocols. Travelers must also download the new Belize Health App, show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, and upon arrival undergo a health and temperature screening that may include a random secondary COVID test. THIRD QUARTER 2020 | TRAVEL & CRUISE 35
