Community News
Caribbean tourism during the pandemic
BY TVISHA MISTRY
The Caribbean tourism industry continues to adapt to the changes caused by the pandemic. After facing severe loss, the tourism industry has begun to rise again. As the year progresses, we can expect to see an increase in tourism across the Caribbean.
Bahamas
The Bahamas continues to welcome tourists amidst the pandemic. Frontier Airlines recently announced plans to begin its service through nonstop flights from Miami to Lynden Pindling International Airport, starting July 2021.
“We are looking forward to offering high-frequency options for flights to The Bahamas for our neighbors in Miami on Frontier Airlines,” said the Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “The market is one that remains a high priority and we are excited to welcome visitors to our beautiful shores with convenient flight options this summer.”
Frontier Airline prioritizes customer safety and will require all passengers to complete a health acknowledgment prior to flying. Passengers must acknowledge that they will abide by pre-boarding temperature screenings, sanitize their hands before boarding the flight, and wear face-coverings for the duration of their trip. Additionally, passengers must confirm that neither they nor anyone around them exhibits COVID-19 symptoms.
Dominica
Dominica maintains safety and is currently a very safe island to visit. COVID-19 outbreaks in Dominica have been low, well-controlled, and at a minimum. Vaccination drives on the island have begun and currently, 39% of the target population has been vaccinated.
The island has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council. This stamp reassures the public that the destination is safe and the island’s health and safety protocols meet globally accepted standards.
Dominica currently offers tourists the opportunity to visit the island through its ‘Safe in Nature’ program. The program ensured that visitors from high-risk destinations have a managed experience after their arrival.
The program allows visitors a safe experience through “tourism bubbles”. The program includes certified visitor accommodations, transportations, attractions, water-based recreations, and restaurants.
Belize
Belize has begun its vaccination rollout, and it’s time to book that dream vacation.
The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that it will resume port calls to Harvest Caye in Southern Belize. Norwegian Joy will depart from its homeport in Montego Bay, Jamaica on August 7th, and will include Belize as a part of its week-long Western Caribbean itinerary.
“Over a year after we initially suspended sailings, the time has finally come when we can provide our loyal guests with the news of our great cruise comeback. We have been working diligently towards our resumption of operations, focusing on the guest experience with health and safety at the forefront. The growing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game-changer,” said NCL’s President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Sommer. ”The vaccine, combined with our science-backed health and safety protocols, will help us provide our guests with what we believe will be the healthiest and safest vacation at sea.”
Antigua and Barbados
Antigua has officially announced the launch of its annual Sailing Week. The virtual two-hour event will consist of stories, interviews, and entertainment, transmitted from Antigua on April 25th, 2021.
Social media followers of Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Barbuda Tourism can log on and tune in to Sailing Week Sunday and can enter to win one of two great trips to stay at Carlisle Bay for four nights.
“In the void created by the 2020 cancellation, we relied on social media flashbacks to previous years to maintain visibility and our spot on the calendar. After the cancellation of 2021, we sensed the need to interact with our worldwide audience in real-time while sharing the highlights of racing in Antigua & Barbuda. Essentially it is our way of extending an invitation to come as soon as is safely possible to race, chase and celebrate with us,” stated Rana Lewis, Event manager.
Tobago
The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) officially launched the social media contest “Mask On Tobago” on April 2nd. The contest encourages the use of masks and other PPE in adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.
To enter the contest, you can show your COVID spirit by sharing photos via social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) using the hashtag: #MaskOnTobago. Contestants will enter weekly draws and will have the chance to win local hotel stays and other exclusive prizes until April 28th, 2021.
“The Tobago Tourism Agency has recognized the need to meaningfully address the safety concerns and reputation of the destination as we seek to sustain and regain consumer confidence in Tobago locally and internationally,” said Sheena Des Vignes TTAL’s Marketing Coordinator. “Our #MaskOnTobago contest will aid in creating user-generated content across our digital platforms that illustrates COVID-19 health and safety protocols in action across the island, starting with the proper use of face masks. It is a definitive step in creating a footprint of evidence of the various safety measures being taken on-island, that will support the recent success of over 100 tourism partners being Safe travels verified and demonstrate to the global traveling public that Tobago is in fact a Safe Travels destination.”