Destination News

British Virgin Islands Announce No Entry Testing for Fully Vaccinated Travellers

Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, 23rd November, 2021  ̶  The Government of the Virgin Islands announced via the Official Virgin Islands Gazette on 16 November, that fully vaccinated arrivals in the Territory are no longer required to test for COVID-19 upon arrival.  Travellers would have to produce a negative result for a RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test taken no later than 48 hours before arrival in the Territory.   Fully vaccinated passengers that present proof of vaccination and a negative test result are also no longer required to pre-register on the Hummingbird portal.  However, fully vaccinated passengers who present a negative test older than 48 hours, whether due to reasons such as delays and overnight layovers, will be required to pre-register on the Hummingbird portal and take a rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test on the day of arrival into the Territory.  Pre-Registration is based on the port of arrival. Travellers  arriving at West End Ferry Terminal must pre-register at https://westend.bvi.care/; travellers  arriving at Road Town Ferry Terminal must pre-register at https://rtferry.bvi.care and travellers arriving at TB Lettsome International Airport must pre-register at https://airport.bvi.care.  It should be noted that West End Ferry Terminal is designated for the entry of vessels carrying fully vaccinated passengers and crews only.

The protocols for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers remain the same.  This includes the requirement to seek travel authorization via the BVI Gateway portal at https://bvigateway.bviaa.com, test on arrival and quarantine for seven and four days respectively.

Additionally, the Gazette also announced that fully vaccinated cruise ship passengers or crew members who embark a cruise ship and have a negative test result from a RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test before arrival in the Territory, shall not be required to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival in the Territory; and shall be allowed to move freely within the Territory, adhering to all the Territory’s COVID-19 Protocols.

Commenting on the new protocols, the British Virgin Islands’ Director of Tourism, Mr. Clive McCoy said, “Our Government has taken a phased approach to reopening the Territory during the COVID-19 Pandemic and what was gazetted on 16^th November is another step towards easing the COVID-19 protocols for travellers arriving in the British Virgin Islands.  We are very encouraged with the response from travellers to the phased relaxation of our protocols, as our tourism partners have reported strong bookings for the 2021/2022 tourism season, reminiscent of pre-pandemic numbers.  However, we still caution guests and the local population to strictly adhere to all the existing protocols that will ensure our safety, including, social distancing, mask wearing and observing hygiene and sanitization best practices.”

The Director added that guests should be reminded to confirm and comply with the COVID-19 protocols of the countries they are returning to or transiting through.  Some countries require testing and there are several departure testing options in the Territory, including the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and several private sector service providers.  Travellers returning via ferry through the United States Virgin Islands, must present a negative COVID-19  nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)  (e.g., RT- PCR) or COVID-19 rapid antigen test within 5 days of travel and pre-register on the USVI’s travel portal, https://www.usvitravelportal.com/.  For more information on the British Virgin Islands’ travel protocols visit https:bvitourism.com/reopening.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Stakeholders Excited as West Jet Returns

JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (November 22, 2021) –WestJet is now back in Antigua and Barbuda, providing Canadian travellers with another means of escaping the cold winter and finding themselves in the sunny twin-island paradise.

On Sunday, the Canadian airline resumed service to Antigua and Barbuda, for the first time following over a year’s absence. A symbolic water canon salute showered the WestJet aircraft on touchdown at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Minister of Tourism and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, Director of Operations at the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, Joseph Samuel, General Manager of Caribbean Airport Services, Craig Richards, alongside other tourism stakeholders were present to officially welcome back the carrier and to greet arriving passengers.

The Tourism Minister called the airline’s arrival great news, as Canada is a key source market for the country. “Heading into the winter season, our tourism forecast is extremely positive as we see consumer travel confidence grow and demand for the destination increase. Having WestJet back, is a tremendous boost for us, and we are excited by the return.”

He continued, “Within the last twenty months we have put in place a number of measures to ensure all our visitors have a #sunseasafe vacation in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s latest travel advisory issued on November 18, now allows fully vaccinated arriving passengers the option of presenting a RT PCR test negative result of four (4) days or fewer from date of testing, OR an approved Rapid Antigen test negative result of (3) or fewer days from date of testing to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda. The list of approved Rapid Antigen tests is provided on the official tourism website: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

WestJet will continue a weekly Sunday service to Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport until next month when the service will be increased to twice a week.

A total of 94 passengers arrived on Sunday’s flight.

Montserrat’s Tourism Training Programme Ends With Tour Guide Training

Brades, Montserrat, November 2, 2021. The Montserrat Tourism Division ended its 2021 tourism stakeholder training programme with a one-week workshop that focused on tour guiding, and tour and taxi operations. The course, which ran from October 25 and ended on November 2, was facilitated by Ms Kathryn Mc Connie from Tours Incredible which is based in Trinidad & Tobago.

Ms Mc Connie has been in the hospitality and tourism industry for more than 30 years and in 1993 she made a significant contribution to the Tour Guiding profession though the development of the very first properly structured Professional Tour Guiding Course which was culturally appropriate for the region. In 1996, she collaborated with the Trinidad & Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute (TTHTI) to ensure that tour guides were assessed and certified by a recognized institution which eventually became ISO certified and accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT).

Ms Mc Connie is a Certified Hospitality Educator with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and the founding member of the Trinidad & Tobago Tour Guides Association. She is one of just three tour guides from the region who are members of the prestigious World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. One of her greatest achievements is the publishing of her own text for tour guide training, “The Cicerone – Presentation Skills & Professional Guiding Techniques”, now in its 8th edition of printing.

Director of Tourism, Warren Solomon, noted: “This training could not have come at a more opportune time, with our borders going through the second phase of its re-opening. One of our objectives in making these training opportunities available to our stakeholders was to ensure that no one lost their edge during the period of inactivity when our borders were closed and successful participants would also be designated as Montserrat Service Ready”

A total of 24 tour guides, tour operators and taxi drivers participated in the workshop, which took on a hybrid format. The first two days consisted of classroom instruction done remotely, while Ms Mc Connie was in quarantine (as required by Montserrat’s COVID-19 travel protocols). The remaining days were a combination of classroom and practical sessions, where participants were assessed as they conducted tours around the island.

“The programme was very well-received and participants have adopted a more professional approach in discharging their duties,” stated Rosetta West-Gerald, Product Development Officer at the Montserrat Tourism Division. She continued, “Many are quite keen to put into practice what they would have learnt over the past 8 days and we are also encouraging them to offer tours to the local community and to those nationals returning home who may have lost touch with Montserrat over the years. This would certainly enable them to sharpen their skills and continually improve their service delivery.”

Montserrat’s borders are currently opened to fully vaccinated travelers arriving by air – the island still remains closed to cruise lines. There is a mandatory 5-day quarantine for arriving passengers; they are tested on day 3 or day 4 and released on day 5 once the results are negative.

American Airlines Increases Service Between Miami and Anguilla

The Valley, Anguilla, November 3, 2021:  The Anguilla Tourist Board with American Airlines is pleased to announce that American Airlines will increase its service from Miami to Anguilla to three times a week, starting on January 5, 2022.  The new service begins with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on December 11, 2021. As of January 5, a third flight will operate every Monday, on the same flight schedule.

The new schedule is loaded into American Airlines’ system and flights are now available for booking. The schedule as of January 5, 2022 is outlined below:

“We have worked extremely hard to provide a safe and enjoyable vacation experience to our visitors, with transparent entry protocols and now easier and more convenient access than ever before,” stated Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. “We have a very low Covid-rate, our tourism industry workers and 80% of our local residents are fully vaccinated, and our stakeholders understand the concerns of today’s travelers, particularly around offering some degree of flexibility when making their travel arrangements.”

“We are thrilled and delighted that American Airlines is already incorporating additional service to our island, a testament to the strong demand for Anguilla and the premium tourism product that we offer,” said Stacey Liburd, Anguilla’s Director of Tourism.

“We are very encouraged by our forward bookings, and with new resorts, new attractions and new events coming on stream, Anguilla is definitely the place to be this winter.”   

For flights and reservations to Anguilla visit www.aa.com or contact your preferred Travel Advisor.

For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

Martinique Reopens Its Sky To Air Canada

Montreal – Air Canada is coming back to Martinique starting October 30^th, following several months of interruption of service due to the pandemic.

A direct weekly flight from Montreal (YUL) will be operated to resume service to Martinique with a two-class B737 aircraft of 169 seats, all equipped with individual touch-sensitive screens that grant access to a full entertainment system, including movies, documentaries, music, and games.

« We are delighted to come back to Martinique” stated Alexandre LEFEVRE, Air Canada’s Senior Director network planification.

“This proves how much Martinique and the whole French West Indies are important for us at Air Canada, as we have established strong relationships in the region for over 45 years now. As much as Martinique is a popular sun destination for Quebecers, Quebec is an appealing destination for Martinicans looking for leisure, high education, and business opportunities. This strategic route will be operated up to five times a week on a new generation Boeing-737 aircraft. We are looking forward to welcoming you on board.”

Air service to Fort-de-France will be provided in strict accordance with sanitary measures, to ensure the safest stay in the Isle of Flowers.

A sanitary protocol applied with care

Visitors must expect obligations depending on their vaccinal status and provenance. People with a complete vaccinal scheme must apply for a French vaccinal passport (https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/passe-sanitaire-etrangers) and and will not be subject to any travel restrictions while arriving to Martinique.

Non-vaccinated people or with an uncomplete vaccinal scheme must comply with the following obligations:

• Negative PCR test (72 hours or less) or negative antigen test (48 hours or less) prior boarding
• Compelling reason (personal, professional, family, sanitary and/or urgent matter)
• 7-days of self isolation when arriving and mandatory COVID test after

On the other hand, Air Canada implemented its CleanCare+ program in May 2020 that settled new biosecurity rules to allow passengers and crew to travel in a safe environment:

• Customer face-coverings and employee Personal Protective Equipment now mandatory
• Personal care kits containing disinfectant and safety items
• Electrostatic cabin spraying to reinforce aircraft grooming protocols
• Revised food product minimizing crew and passenger contact

These protocols will ensure the safe transportation of our travellers from Canada and allow the next intensification of airline service to Martinique this winter.

A gradual and necessary recovery

Named top emerging destination in the world by TripAdvisor in 2021 and recognized twice by UNESCO, Martinique is on top of Canadians’ travel wish list. Air Canada supports the growing appeal of the Isle of Flowers by increasing gradually its rotations to Martinique: starting in December, Canada’s biggest airline carrier will implement up to five non-stop flights per week from Montreal to Fort-de-France.

This latter news was warmly welcomed by Bénédicte di GERONIMO, Martinique Tourism Commissioner: “Our team worked hard to develop creative ways to convey the charms, qualities and authenticity of our island. Thanks to the work of the Martinique Tourism Authority alongside Air Canada, Canada has become the 2^nd main market for Martinique. We are delighted to welcome back Air Canada to Martinique’s sky!”

The island will hope from this resumption of service with Air Canada the recovery of its three weekly direct flights all year long from Montreal to Martinique.

Martinique is also looking forward to recovering its three flights per week, all year long from Montreal. Frantz Thodiard, CEO of the Aimé Cesaire’s Martinique International Airport stated: “The resumption of air service between Montreal and Fort-de-France reboots the historic link with Canada, a destination highly appreciated by Martinicans for its multiples offers and opportunities. Air Canada’s investment sustains the confidence inspired by Martinique as a destination”.