So does this read that Bahamas is requiring a test of returning citizens but not tourists?
NASSAU, Bahamas , June 2, 2020 /CNW/ -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced today a collaborative plan for re-opening the country's borders and tourism sector, as...
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Bahamas Preparing to Resume International Tourism on July 1 with New Health & Safety Protocols in Place
NASSAU, Bahamas , June 2, 2020 /CNW/ -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced today a collaborative plan for re-opening the country's borders and tourism sector, as well as the resumption of international commercial travel starting July 1 . A press conference provided details of the "Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan" to be used as an approved, comprehensive guide of health and safety protocol to be followed consistently across the country.
From procedures pertaining to entering and departing The Bahamas via airports and seaports, to a Clean & Pristine certification program implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and touchpoints, the plan outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for all visitors and residents alike.
"Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and well-being of our residents and visitors," said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director-General, Joy Jibrilu . "We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector. We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for."
A Phased Approach
The Bahamas' tourism dependent economy will gradually come back online, following a strategic, phased approach that ensures critical health and safety protocols are being adhered to, and that the Health sector remains well equipped and ready to respond as necessary.
- Phase 1, beginning on June 15 , will allow for boaters, yachters and private aviation to return to the destination.
Also, during this phase, commercial airlines will be allowed to bring in Bahamian citizens, legal residents, home-owners qualifying for economic permanent residency, or the immediate family members or significant others of any of these groups.
Additionally, during Phase 1, hotels will re-open for staff to return to work and put in place all the measures required to ensure they are ready to welcome guests at the onset of Phase 2.
- Phase 2, beginning July 1 , allows for the resumption of international travel including:
The timing of the other phases and sectors will be announced shortly.
What Travelers Should Expect
Travelers should expect to follow The Bahamas' "Healthy Traveler Campaign" that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.
At airports and seaports, temperature screenings for all incoming visitors will be conducted by healthcare personnel. Travelers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim. When departing, flights will be scheduled to every other gate to provide as much distance between flights as possible, and greater time will be provided for boarding to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.
In addition, several new procedures will be present throughout the on-island experience, including:
- Accommodations:
- Taxis and Independent Cars:
- Excursions, tours, local attractions and shopping:
- Vessel and Ferry Operations
- Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services
Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit:
www.bahamas.com.
All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions, or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 ( 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT ) / 242-376-9387 ( 8 p.m. – 8 a.m. EDT ).
PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com
Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com
