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Barbados welcomes back year-round service from London Heathrow

This weekend marked the inaugural flight of the relaunched year-round daily service from London Heathrow to Barbados on British Airways after a hiatus of more than 15 years. The airline’s four-class Boeing 777-200 safely landed in Bridgetown on Saturday 17 October to a warm Bajan reception, with the Royal Barbados Police Force Band playing the arrivals off the plane.

Cheryl Carter, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director for the U.K. was on board, leading a delegation of 19 British travel agents and media who are on island to experience the destination and share their experiences with travellers back home. On receipt of their second negative COVID-19 test, the group’s itinerary will immerse them in the heritage, culinary and soft adventure landscapes of Barbados, from catamaran cruises to tours of historic Bridgetown, and dining at a number of the island’s best restaurants.

Carter commented that “We were so excited to welcome the inaugural British Airways flight from Heathrow to Barbados on Saturday. The aircraft featured brand new livery throughout as well as the new BA Club Suite. It was over 80% full, with families, remote-workers and couples hugely excited to escape the coming winter and see a bit of sun!

This service will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with its seamless connections across the United Kingdom and Ireland, and of course from major markets on the European and African continents, during what has been a tumultuous year. With our new entry procedures in place, balanced against the low case numbers seen on the island, Barbados promotes the wellbeing of all; and we are confident that it is a safe place for travellers globally to enjoy the sun, sea and sand and authentic experiences they may have been missing this year.” 

Making its comeback just in time for the busy October half-term period, the service will boost the already daily flights from London Gatwick, which run from October 2020 until April 2021. Celebratory touches, such as a complimentary glass of champagne for all travellers were enjoyed on the flight and the necessary protocols of hand sanitisers and mask wearing were enforced throughout the flight.

Journalist Renate Ruge, who was also aboard, remarked that “the excellent service expected from BA didn’t disappoint – cabin crew remembered small details like tea or coffee preferences despite a busy plane. The seating options including business class and first with two larger luxury cabins promised extra comfort, especially for the return night flights.”

Fellow writer, Albert Evans, agreed. “While in normal circumstances the flight would have felt crowded in light of the pandemic, the fact everyone on the plane had a negative test put my mind at ease. The arrival in Barbados was characteristically warm and the additional bureaucracy caused by COVID was dealt with quickly and efficiently. The UK could certainly learn a thing or two.”

Melanie May, a writer for the Irish Independent, joined the flight and noted, “With its afternoon departure, it makes it very easy to get a connecting flight from Ireland. From Dublin to London to landing in balmy Barbados, every step of the way was seamless and safe. The many safety protocols in place felt reassuring and the crew should be commended for ensuring a safe travel experience for all passengers.” 

Chelsea Cousins from Northern Ireland Travel News agreed and added, “Connecting from Belfast City to Heathrow and then on to Barbados was quick and straightforward with complete comfort and exceptional customer service from the cabin crew.”

Jamaica Updates its Pre-testing Requirement

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – October 9, 2020 – Jamaica has announced revised measures for international travelers visiting the island with arrivals beginning October 10. These new processes make the required online Travel Authorization application more seamless for visitors while still maintaining stringent health protocols. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has expanded acceptable testing categories allowing travelers to choose between presenting a negative COVID-19 Antigen test, or a negative PCR test. Testing must be performed by an accredited lab and results must be presented to the air carrier prior to boarding a flight to Jamaica as well as upon arrival.

This process replaces the prior requirement for travelers to upload COVID-19 test results as part of the Travel Authorization process. Current high-risk areas include Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama and the United States. In addition to the revised entry measures, travelers are now able to visit COVID-compliant attractions located inside and outside of the Resilient Corridors, using transportation licensed under the Tourist Board Act. The full list of attractions is available on the VisitJamaica website. The new measures also allow visitors to stay in multiple accommodation options within the Resilient Corridors, enabling travelers to explore more of Jamaica.

“Health and safety have been our priority since reopening our borders to international travel on June 15th,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Our phased approach has allowed us to assess the risks and make adjustments to continually safeguard our visitors and residents. The refreshed protocols and entry measures we have in place ensure a more seamless process so that our guests have the best experience possible.”

Tests results should be no more than ten (10) days old, measured from the day the sample was taken to the day of arrival in Jamaica. Tests must be performed at a lab accredited by national health authorities such as the World Health Organization, the Food & Drug Administration or the Pan American Health Organization. Only swab COVID-19 PCR or Antigen tests are acceptable.

All visitors will still be screened upon arrival in Jamaica via thermal temperature checks, symptom observation and a brief interview with a Health Officer. Business travelers will receive a swab test at the airport, and must remain in quarantine until results are available.

The current process will be in effect through October 31. Jamaica’s health and safety measures are revisited frequently, which is consistent with the government’s approach of evaluating the COVID-19 global situation. As more is discovered about the virus, including medical advancements, or as the risk profile changes, Jamaica will make any necessary and appropriate revision to the protocols.

For more information on the Travel Authorization, visit www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization.

For more information on Jamaica’s Health and Safety Protocols, visit www.jtbonline.org.

Dominica launches “Safe in Nature” Commitment for visitors

Roseau, Dominica – (October 5, 2020) Dominica has launched Safe in Nature, a programme geared at providing a safe experience to visitors from major tourism markets to the Nature Island during this COVID-19 pandemic. The Safe in Nature logo was also launched to the public.

The Safe in Nature commitment program is a result of the collective work of The Ministry of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, Discover Dominica Authority, Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association along with other tourism stakeholders, geared to revive the tourism industry.

Safe in Nature commitment program will ensure a managed experience throughout the first 5 – 7 days of visitors arriving to Dominica.  This managed experience includes the transportation services to and from the ports of entry, stay at a certified accommodation to include the activities and amenities on site, transportation services to select locations for destination activities,  These destination activities include water based and land based activities.

Safe in Nature also involves the holistic care of visitors to the Nature Island.  Wellness, being a major part of the lifestyle here on Dominica translates to Safe in Nature through the provision of wholesome and delicious creole cuisine, to local herbal teas and rum punches to cure all ailments, to our natural sulphur spas and of course natural skin care products.

“We are excited to announce the Safe in Nature commitment brand! To those thinking about travel, those thinking about visiting us to experience our rich cultural celebrations and cuisine, those needing a well-deserved break from chaos and crowds, those needing rejuvenation, we extend a warm invitation to Dominica where you, your family and friends will be Safe in Nature!”  Words from the Honourable Denise Charles, Minister for Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives.

With the launch of Dominica’s Caricom Travel Bubble in August which affords persons from select destinations relaxed entry and on-island requirements to now launching Safe in Nature, Dominica guarantees its visitors a true nature island feel on island while maintaining the safety of Dominicans and visitors alike.

Samantha Letang, Marketing Executive at Discover Dominica Authority expressed that “Dominica is not only a vacation, but a discovery and travel to Dominica especially now, can be transformative and the antidote to relieve the stress that many individuals and families are currently feeling.”

She states, “Dominica affords its visitors with world renowned diving, secluded sites and attractions perfect for distancing, top class hiking, out of the ordinary romantic escapes, an indigenous Kalinago population, healthy and tasty cuisine and so much more. And now we give you all this guaranteeing you will be Safe in Nature.

The tourism sector has definitely been heavily hit by this pandemic but with increased opportunities afforded through new partnerships in the airline industry along with solidifying those existing relationships, and now with the Safe in Nature commitment to visitors offering a managed experience while on island, the tourism sector now has the opportunity to re-cover.

Details of “Safe in Nature” managed experience can be found on the travel advisory page of Discover Dominica Authority at www.discoverdominica.com. Visitors should look to the actual experiences from their preferred accommodations who will detail such in the near future as the experiences are approved.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045, or visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook and take a look at our videos on YouTube.