Archive for Destination News

The Cayman Islands Welcomes Families Traveling with Children

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (28 January 2022) – The Cayman Islands has officially entered Phase 5 of the destination’s strategic phased reopening plan, effective 20 January 2022. Under this new phase, children aged 11 years and younger will be permitted to travel to the destination accompanied by vaccinated adults regardless of the child’s vaccination status. In addition, quarantine requirements for all travellers are shortened from 10 days to seven days, and testing protocols have been altered – now requiring travelers to submit a lateral flow test (LFT) on days two, five and seven of their stay.

“These changes outlined in Phase 5 of the Government’s reopening plan will make it much easier to travel to our destination with children and allow families to enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing holiday in Cayman once again,” said Hon. Minister Kenneth V. Bryan. “Family travel is an important segment of our tourism industry, and these new protocols will bring a range of encouraging benefits to Caymanians and our tourism partners. We are very excited to usher in this new phase and remain optimistic for the future of Cayman tourism.”

Traveling with Children:

Under Phase 5, children aged 11 and younger are permitted to travel to the Cayman Islands regardless of the child’s vaccination status, provided they are traveling with a verified, fully vaccinated adult. Children between the ages of five and 11 will be required to undergo the same testing requirements as adults, while children below the age of five are not subject to pre-arrival, or on-site testing.

COVID-19 Testing Requirements:

As of 20 January, all inbound travellers aged five years and above must provide a negative pre-departure test, either a certified rapid test/LFT or PCR test, taken no earlier than the day before departure. Convenient, video-proctored at-home tests have been made available by AZOVA Inc.

On-island testing requirements have also been adjusted. Travellers must complete a certified LFT through an approved provider on days two, five and seven of their visits, but a test on day 10 is no longer required. If the traveller tests positive, the PCR test confirmation and any additional testing to exit quarantine will be covered by the Cayman Islands Public Health Department. Children aged four years and under will not require testing. Children between the ages of five years to 11 years will be required to undergo the same testing requirements as adults.

Lastly, Phase 5 protocols require travellers to the Sister Islands to provide a negative certified LFT or PCR test prior to departure to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Duration of Isolation:

As announced by the Public Health Department on 18 January 2022, the isolation period for vaccinated persons who test positive is now seven days (as opposed to the previous 10-day requirement). Persons testing positive will be required to isolate for six days and take a PCR test on day seven.

“For nearly two years, families with young children have been unable to experience the magic of the Cayman Islands together. Now, they can return to our shores and create lifetime memories in a safe environment,” said Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands. “We are eager to welcome families back and share all that our beautiful islands have to offer.”

For more information on travel to the Cayman Islands, including the latest entry requirements under Phase 5, visit www.visitcaymanislands.com/welcomeback.

Note for editors: All travellers aged 12 and above must be verified and fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to enter the Cayman Islands

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Destination News

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Jamaica Shorten COVID-19 Isolation Period for US Travelers

KINGSTON, JAMAICA, January 21, 2022 – Based on the new recommendations announced recently by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. travelers who test positive for COVID-19 in Jamaica, can now exit isolation after 5 days provided that the person is asymptomatic or has had mild symptoms that are resolving (as per physician’s evaluation).

“We are very pleased to be able to offer U.S. visitors who test positive while on island the possibility of a shorter isolation period in keeping with the new CDC guidelines,” said the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “Jamaica remains open for business and continues to welcome visitors safely through our comprehensive Jamaica CARES program. Our Jamaica CARES protocols were designed to be agile and adapt to changes in the marketplace, so we can now offer potentially reduced isolation times to give even more peace of mind to anyone considering a visit to Jamaica.”

The isolation period begins the day after the positive test is taken. For individuals who remain symptomatic after 5 days, the ten-day quarantine period must be completed.

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has indicated that all visitors departing Jamaica may now be approved to exit isolation, according to the rules of their country of destination and airline, provided that the person goes straight from isolation to the flight. These visitors would need to utilize transportation and airport protocols that have been put in place to decrease the risk of exposure to other passengers, staff and the general population.

The ground-breaking Jamaica CARES program is a nationwide response to COVID-19 that includes the island’s comprehensive health and safety protocols and Resilient Corridors, which cover more than 80 percent of the island’s tourism product. These protocols were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels recognition that allowed the destination to safely reopen to travel in June 2020.

For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Destination News

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Dr. R. Kenneth Romer Named Deputy Director General of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

NASSAU, Bahamas, 24 January 2022 – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has appointed Dr. R. Kenneth Romer as Deputy Director General, filling the senior post in the Ministry’s leadership team after Ms. Latia Duncombe was selected as Acting Director General.

Dr. Romer has held a leadership position within the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism since 2019, serving as Executive Director overseeing airlift, cruise, yachting, visitor safety, sites and facilities, quality assurance, as well as brand management, research and statistics, guest services and special projects. He is a member of the Bahamas Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee as well as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, among others.

“Dr. Romer brings deep expertise across critical sectors that will be invaluable as he steps into this important role,” said Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “He is no stranger to the Ministry team, and will no doubt continue to make significant contributions as we bring our country back to pre-pandemic prosperity and growth.”

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Romer has served in senior level executive roles in both the private and public sectors throughout The Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean, spanning key sectors across aviation, tourism and hospitality, as well as corporate and civic communities.

“This is a pivotal turning point for tourism, and I look forward to helping our great nation rebound and recover,” said Dr. R. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “While the past two years have been a challenge, I’m confident in the path forward and am thrilled to bring my expertise to our country as Deputy Director General.”

Dr. Romer holds a Doctorate Degree with specializations in Leadership and Organizational Management as well as academic and professional credentials from Harvard University, University of The Bahamas, University of The West Indies, Cornell University, James Madison University, among others. He holds specialized certifications in both Contract and Aviation Laws; FAA Private Pilot; Human Resources Management; Executive Leadership; Educational Leadership; Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Management; Creating Innovative Business Models, and Infrastructural PPPs, among others. The recipient of numerous leadership awards, he continues to serve his country through many civic, community and statutory appointments.

Dr. Romer is married to his wife Crystal and has two children, Kenedee and Harper.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Destination News

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Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Appoints Latia Duncombe Acting Director General

NASSAU, Bahamas, 24 January 2022 – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has appointed Latia Duncombe as Acting Director General, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.

In August 2021 Latia Duncombe was recruited as Deputy Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. ADG Duncombe is a seasoned Bahamian business professional, bringing over 25 years of cross-industry experience in sales and marketing, public relations, finance and business analysis. Her positions and responsibilities range across local and international destinations throughout the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands.

“Latia Duncombe is a distinguished executive in marketing and sales, and we are confident she will bring invaluable oversight while further propelling The Bahamas as a leading destination,” said Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “ADG Duncombe will help me lead in the execution of our robust strategic growth plans for tourism and investments, as outlined in our Blueprint for Change.”

The Bahamas continues to be acknowledged and lauded as one of the very best destinations in the world, landing on annual award and hot lists of consumer and trade publications and organizations. Most notably, The New York Times and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized The Bahamas as a top place to go in 2022. At the hands of ADG Duncombe and in cooperation with the deeply experienced executives at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, it is expected that these accolades will only increase.

“I am honoured to represent the people of The Bahamas in continuing to drive a healthy tourism economy in our great island nation,” said Latia Duncombe, Acting Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “These recent years have been challenging as we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but we look toward a more prosperous future with many accomplishments to celebrate in the months and years ahead.”

ADG Duncombe was employed as a Senior Executive and the Head of Sales & Marketing for Rubis Bahamas and Rubis Turks & Caicos Limited before serving as Deputy Director General for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

ADG Duncombe holds an MBA with Merit from the University of Liverpool, an Associates of Arts in Accounting with Distinction from the Bahamas Baptist Community College and is an Affiliate of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). She is equally committed to charitable and community work, serving as a REACH (Resources and Education for Autism Relates Challenges) board member. She is also a former Miss World Bahamas, youth parliamentarian and Red Cross volunteer.

Hailing from the island of Abaco, ADG Duncombe is married to Othniel Duncombe and has two energetic sons, Tré and Zion.

Posted in: 2022 News, Blog, Destination News

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Belize Tourism Board Announces New Safe Travel Requirements

In an effort to further protect the health and wellbeing of international visitors and Belizeans from COVID-19, Belize Tourism Board (BTB), the official tourism organization for Belize, has released new safe travel standards for any persons entering the country. Effective Feb. 15, 2022, all visitors are required to apply for Belize Travel Health Insurance – a mandatory insurance that helps protect travelers against incurred medical and non-medical expenses, if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Belize.

The cost of the policy is $18 USD and provides coverage for up to $50,000 USD in medical expenses related to treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days. This insurance plan will come online under the country’s public health regulations and provide cover for lodging expenses due to quarantine up to $2,000 USD (max $300/day USD). Travelers will also be covered for emergency assistance services such as air evacuation and emergency expenses related to pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, it covers trip cancellations and expenses incurred by COVID-19 positive travelers for extended stays.

Some important entry highlights are listed below:

  • It is recommended that travelers purchase the Belize Travel Health Insurance prior to their travel to Belize. However, purchases can be made upon arrival at the Philip Goldson International Airport or at Belize’s land borders.
  • Visitors must purchase Belize Travel Health Insurance and are required to complete the Customs and Immigration form that is provided on all flights to Belize.
  • Exempted from this mandatory insurance are Belizean nationals, permanent residents and travelers with QRP or Long Stay status and flight crews.
  • All international tourists must book their stay in Belize at a Gold Standard property (approved hotel or accommodation) and present confirmation at immigration.
  • All travelers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, entering Belize through the Philip Goldson International Airport from other countries, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test.
  • If no test is presented, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD $50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 years will not be required to present a negative test.

In the past year, Belize has implemented several traveler protocols to keep visitors feeling safe, including the Tourism Gold Standard Program and Travel Belize app, which enables travelers to seamlessly plan their vacation with certified hotels and tour operators (an entry requirement). The new Travel Health Insurance mandate underscores Belize’s commitment to health and safety, enhancing travel confidence and giving visitors peace of mind to schedule that well-deserved vacation for 2022 and beyond.

About Belize Tourism Board
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector – including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Tour Operators Association – and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, the BTB markets the country’s unique attractions to travelers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets. The BTB is also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill high quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.travelbelize.org.

Posted in: 2021 News, Destination News

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