Destination News

BTB Releases its 2019 Belize Travel & Tourism Statistics Digest

Belize City, Friday, Nov 6, 2020:  The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is pleased to announce the release of the  Belize Travel & Tourism Statistics Digest 2019.

The Belize Travel & Tourism Statistics Digest is a digitally interactive publication produced by the BTB in an effort to provide the Tourism Industry with the latest reports on tourism trends. Tourism has developed into one of Belize’s main industries and has become the country’s number one foreign exchange earner. Tourism statistics allow the BTB, tourism stakeholders, and other industry partners to analyze the growth of the tourism sector in comparison to previous years.

The latest publication contains an overview of the overnight visitor arrivals, the performance of the cruise sector, the number of visits to protected area sites countrywide, and an overview of      the performance of Belize’s accommodation sector.

The 2019 Digest also contains the results of the visitor expenditure and motivation survey (VEMS) conducted during the exit process at the three main border points. This survey was designed to capture the travel motivation of overnight visitors, their activities in the country, as well as their expenditure and satisfaction ratings.

Additionally, the Belize Travel & Tourism Statistics Digest provides valuable information on the level of employment in the tourism sector, which serves as a major performance indicator for the tourism industry as a whole. Employment is a key metric in measuring tourism’s impact on the nation’s economy.

In addition to the 2019 publication, stakeholders can keep abreast of the statistics provided on the BTB website by clicking the following link: https://www.belizetourismboard.org/belize-tourism/statistics/

Data requests can also be sent to datarequests@belizetourismboard.org

The BTB recognizes the importance of statistics in making decisions based on data, planning and overall tracking of the progression of the tourism industry. On this premise, shortly after Belize reopened for leisure tourism, the BTB launched a survey for arriving guests at the Philip Goldson International Airport. The objective of the survey exercise was to obtain information on the visitors’ experience at the airport, checking-in to their accommodation, as well as the enhanced health and safety measures the destination has implemented.

The survey revealed that approximately 95% of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall experience in Belize, including the new safety protocols and arrival process at the PGIA as well as with the Gold Standard Certified hotels. The BTB, therefore, takes this opportunity to express a heartfelt thanks to our industry stakeholders for their unwavering support to ensure a very successful reopening of the tourism industry. To view the result of the survey, please click the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-ZKMG53767/

The BTB remains committed to our industry stakeholders and the nation to report on the latest tourism trends and the performance of the industry, as we continue to promote Belize as a world class, culturally immersive and fun-filled tourism destination.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Wins Gold for Digital Marketing Campaign

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s creativity during the Covid-19 pandemic and response to consumers growing demand for space, has been recognized and awarded by the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards.

The Magellan ‘Travel Destinations’ Gold Award went to the Tourism Authority’s destination marketing campaign ‘Your Space in the Sun” launched in July. The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards are the premier awards for the travel industry, honouring the best in travel and saluting the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

A statement from Travel Weekly announcing the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority win, stated, “Judged by a group of your peers and held to the highest standard of excellence, your entry stood head and shoulders above the rest.”

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Charles Fernandez, commenting on the award, applauded the team at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on the win.

He highlighted the team’s “unwavering commitment to keeping travellers informed during the covid-19 pandemic, and for proactively developing a digital marketing campaign that resonated with the travel trade and consumer.”

“Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism marketing efforts continue to adapt to suit the situation.  I am optimistic that with the combined efforts of the private and public sector, and the resilience of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Industry, that we will come out of this pandemic stronger.”

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James said, “As the pandemic unfolded, and countries went into lockdown, our consumer sentiment analysis showed that persons equated the words ‘safe’ with ‘space’.  We had prospective travellers whose vacations were affected at the start of the pandemic, sitting indoors contemplating their next trip to the Caribbean, and so we shifted our 2020 marketing strategy.

In addition to keeping travellers informed on Antigua and Barbuda travel advisories, our focus was to inspire audiences, with uncluttered views of Antigua and Barbuda and most importantly no crowds. McCann Demand helped us design this campaign, that used captivating aerial photography and video footage that drew audiences into our wide, open spaces, and motivated them to choose Antigua and Barbuda when next they were able to travel.”

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s tailored 2020 strategy included a heavy focus on social media and the launch of the “Your Space in the Sun campaign with a television advert and a digital platform roll-out. The 30-second ad can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvILnN02nxM

Hannah O’Neill from McCann said: “Antigua and Barbuda is without a doubt a luxury destination and our approach was to maintain a premium feel through contemporary and modern creative which centred on this feeling of space, all communicated through authentic imagery of what the islands have to offer.”

The Bahamas Announces Updated Travel and Entry Protocols

NASSAU, Bahamas, October 31, 2020 – The Islands of The Bahamas today announced streamlined entry protocols that will enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.

Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required an RT PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6, 2020 only.

Effective 1 November 2020, The Bahamas will require all travelers to:

1. Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.
2. Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs
3. Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).
4. Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.

In addition, beginning 14 November 2020, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.

Specifics of the new protocols are as follows:

• All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) daysprior to the date of arrival.
  • The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
• Exemptions:
  • Children age ten (10) and under.
  • Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.

Bahamas Health Travel Visa

• Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at GOV.BS

• Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.

• Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:

• $40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
• $40 – Citizens and returning residents.
• $60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.
• Free – Children 10 years and under

Upon Arrival

• Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.

 If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test. 

• All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

• All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.

• The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.

• Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.

• All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

• All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.

Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.

The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of public health officials.  It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

Grenada’s Tourism Minister in Spanish Appeal

Grenada has launched another dimension to its Pure Grenada, Just For You campaign, a video in Spanish done by Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Climate Resilience, and the Environment Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen.

Nothing Beats The Bahamas: Country Launches New Extended-Stay Program

NASSAU – October 29, 2020 – The days of daydreaming of paradise from your makeshift home office or classroom are over. The Islands of The Bahamas announced its new Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS) program, a one-year residency permit designed to allow professionals and students to pack their laptop and their swimwear as they march to the island rhythm of their own drum, remotely, from The Bahamas.

BEATS applies to those whose workplaces and classrooms have shifted from face-to-face to virtual as COVID-19 has brought unprecedented flexibility to the traditional work from home environment. With 16 islands to choose from and plenty of breathtaking views, visitors can forget about daydreaming about a tropical vacation and start living it.

“What has always been unique about The Bahamas and even more so significant today, is that we are home to 700 islands and cays with 16 unique island destinations viable for travel,” said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation. “This means that you can essentially choose your own work, study and play adventure. If you’re seeking serenity and seclusion, you can head to Mayaguana or San Salvador, or if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path stay, you can opt in for Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera or Long Island. The opportunities are endless.”

Not only will visitors be encouraged to enjoy the white sand beaches, incredible blue-hued waters and delicious cuisine, but BEATS will also serve as an opportunity to explore and dive deep into the culture of The Bahamas in ways they have not experienced before.

Remote workers can “backpack” their way through the country, island-hopping throughout the length of their stay. More time allows guests to become fully immersed in the beautiful Bahamian culture as they experience the destination in a much deeper way.

Extra-Curricular Activities and “Overtime” Offerings

• Learn new skills: Head to Long Island, home of Dean’s Blue Hole, the second deepest blue hole in the world, where the learning extends far beyond the classroom at diving school.
• Outdoor Physical Education: Master the art of bonefishing across the flats of Andros; hike to the top of Cat Island’s Mount Alvernia, which is the highest point in The Bahamas, or snorkel through the shipwrecks of Bimini.
• Lunch break: Your remote “cafeteria” gets a serious upgrade on New Providence, where the local Fish Fry at Arawak Cay or Potter’s Cay serves the best seafood in town.
• Sip Sip at Happy Hour: Clock out and clock into happy hour with any of the Bahamian staples, from the Bahama Mama and Goombay Smash cocktails to a refreshing Kalik or Sands beer.
• Make new friends at “recess”: The swimming pigs, iguanas and nurse sharks on Exuma or the flamingos on Inagua can’t wait to meet you.

“We’re thrilled for travelers to have the opportunity to enjoy a rich Bahamian experience through an extended stay with us,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “Simply put, a workday is better in The Bahamas. At the end of a long day of meetings or classes, you will be rewarded with breathtaking sunsets, a relaxing walk on the beach, or fresh conch salad to feed your soul. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

The BEATS permit is valid up to 12 months from the date of issue. The total cost for individual professionals to apply for and obtain a BEATS permit is $1,025, while college students wishing to apply will be required to pay $525, inclusive of the application and permit fee.

For more information on BEATS, please visit www.bahamasbeats.com. To apply to be the WFH envy of your office/classroom, visit https://portal.immigration.gov.bs/.

All incoming visitors must follow all current COVID-19 government protocols in place to ensure the safety of visitors and residents of The Bahamas. Know before you go and visit Bahamas.com/travel updates for the most up-to-date information