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Turks and Caicos Islands Issued a Level 1 Notice from the CDC

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS (June 11, 2021) – The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, the exclusive tourism authority for the Turks and Caicos Islands, announced that the destination has received an Alert Level 1 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  The new travel health notice represents a major milestone in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ vaccine campaign, which began in January 2021 and has resulted in more than 65 percent of the adult population receiving at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine–—making it one of the most inoculated countries in the world.

The country’s strong vaccination rate combined with the success of its safety protocols has curbed the spread of COVID-19 and allowed for continuous safe travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The destination has enjoyed strong occupancy rates over the past few months, including an average of over 70 percent capacity for April 2021.

“We are very proud that the majority of our adult population is vaccinated, helping us to keep the curve flat and earn an Alert Level 1 from the CDC for safe travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism. “We are grateful to our valued tourism industry partners for supporting the Turks and Caicos Islands’ efforts by initiating property-specific campaigns, and to the community for their vigilance in getting vaccinated and adhering to protocols. We still require international travelers to become certified by TCI Assured, our quality assurance portal, before visiting the Islands to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.”

News of the CDC’s Alert Level 1 arrives following the most recent reports by the Ministry of Health and Human Services that a total of 65 percent of the adult population has received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Additionally, 55 percent of the adult population is now fully vaccinated having received both vaccines.

These powerful statistics speak to the effectiveness of the vaccine campaign initiated by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, which has included billboards encouraging vaccinations across the islands; incentives allowing businesses with fully vaccinated staff to operate at higher capacities; and initiatives by valued hotel, restaurant, and tour operator partners urging their associates to get vaccinated, inclusive of regular giveaways, to help protect themselves and others. Additionally, the Turks and Caicos Islands have consistently upheld its safety protocols at an internationally accepted standard.

In addition to its Level 1 Alert, the Turks and Caicos Islands received the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel Council, which denotes that its existing safety protocols align with the core requirements established by the WTTC, along with governments and health experts, which are designed to standardize safe travel. These include, but are not limited to, urging proper physical distancing, enforcing capacity limits, requiring masks in public places, and ensuring proper hand washing techniques and sanitation, among other core ‘Safe Travels’ requirements.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has remained vigilant and consistent regarding its international traveler requirements, which are the same for vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers. The country’s TCI Assured, a quality assurance portal on the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board website, provides a travel authorization only after visitors have provided proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test results from an accredited healthcare facility within five days prior to their arrival to the destination, proof of medical insurance that covers COVID-19 medical related costs and a completed health screening questionnaire. A 14-day quarantine period is not required for visitors once they have tested negative for the virus.

Upon arrival to the airport, visitors can expect to present a copy of their TCI Assured certifications to local authorities, all of whom wear personal protective equipment, before proceeding through immigration where temperature checks for each traveler will also occur. Upon departure, most travelers are now required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be able to return to their country of origin; many hotels across the Islands now have on-site testing sites, allowing for an easy and seamless experience.

The Turks and Caicos Islands—home to the “World’s Best Beach”—is a coveted five-star luxury vacation destination for leisure, business, and notable guests from around the globe.  With nine main islands and about 40 small islands and uninhabited cays, the destination is inherently safe for travel in this new paradigm of physical distancing, given its expansiveness, stunning outdoor environment, privacy, spacious resort accommodations, and unique portfolio of extraordinary private villas and private islands vacations. An extensive list of COVID-19 testing facilities across all Sister Islands can be found on the Tourist Board’s official websitewww.turksandcaicostourism.com.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board encourages travelers to consider the CDC’s Travel Health Notices and the WTTC’s Safe Travels vacation destinations for 2020 and 2021. The Islands’ award-winning hotels and resorts, private villas, restaurants and bars, and tour operators are open and / or are accepting bookings.

For more information on the Turks and Caicos Islands, call 1 (800) 241-0824 or visit www.turksandcaicostourism.com.  Follow the Turks and Caicos Islands on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Belize Prepares To Welcome Carnival Vista Cruise

Belize City, Belize, Friday, June 11, 2021 – Belize is preparing to welcome Carnival Vista, which is operated by Carnival Cruise Line, to Belize City on July 7, 2021. The ship will embark from Galveston, Texas and will be the first ship to call on Belize since the cruise industry in our region was suspended over a year ago. This is encouraging news for thousands of Belizeans that work in the tourism sector who are looking forward to welcoming cruise guests to our shores once again.

The health and safety of Belizeans and visitors is paramount as cruise tourism resumes. Carnival Vista will operate with at least 95 percent of its passengers and all of its crew having been vaccinated, and there will be rigorous protocols in place for disembarking passengers. The health and safety protocols that were recently released by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) will guide the restart of cruise operations in Belize. These protocols outline the necessary adjustments and adaptations to be undertaken at each step of the cruise cycle – from home port, to destination and return. Under these protocols, which adhere to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, as this is a fully vaccinated ship a travel bubble will not be implemented. Cruise passengers will be allowed to go on both guided and self-guided tours and Gold Standard approved operations will be allowed to provide service to these passengers.

In order to ensure that the tourism sector is adequately prepared to provide a safe and secure experience for the passengers, crew and the destination, the BTB will offer online training sessions over the next few weeks.

Tourism industry stakeholders are encouraged to keep abreast of real time information on cruise ship calls to Belize Ports via the BTB Cruise App: https://www.btbcruiseapp.com/ as these are changing daily.

The BTB and the Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations are committed to the full recovery of the cruise industry to pre-COVID numbers, and to enhance the Belize tourism product to make it more competitive within the region.

CTO Launches Online Risk Management Course to Coincide With Start of 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (9 June, 2020) –  As part of its ongoing programme to help guide tourism’s response to multiple hazards and to enhance the sector’s resilience, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has launched an online risk management course which aims at improving the skills and competencies of regional tourism industry stakeholders.

The course, Multi-Hazard Risk Management for the Caribbean Tourism Sector, is being launched to coincide with the start of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which forecasters predict will be an overactive one with as many as 20 named storms, up to ten hurricanes – up to five of which will be category three or higher.

And at a recent online discussion organised by the CTO to help member countries prepare for the season, meteorologist Dr. Athena Massan revealed that sea temperatures had reached 80 degrees in late April, more than two months ahead of a normal year, increasing the likelihood of tropical storms affecting the Caribbean.

“With the scientists predicting an active season, the launch of this training course by the CTO is both timely and relevant as it will provide participants with practical skills to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from not just hurricanes, but the range of natural and other hazards which can affect the Caribbean tourism industry,” says Neil Walters, the CTO’s acting secretary general.

This three-month certificate course, which runs through to the end of August, was specifically designed to reduce vulnerability and increase the resilience of the tourism sector in CTO member countries through an integrated approach to risk management. It’s also meant to help thrust climate change adaptation and disaster risk management strategies in public and private sector tourism development, policy formulation, planning and business operations, to the fore.

It’s the first of two self-paced online training courses offered by the CTO to increase the skills and competencies of regional tourism industry stakeholders in sustainable tourism practices and support institutional strengthening in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation. The second course on sustainable tourism policy and development is scheduled to begin in September.

“The ability to deliver opportunities for online learning has become critically important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is of strategic importance to the CTO and in addition to these first two courses, the CTO is in the process of updating its various professional development courses to adapt for online delivery. CTO is grateful for the support of its project partners that have assisted in the organisation’s ability to deliver on this important mandate,” added Walters.

Developed to foster implementation, adaptation and use of these resources, the courses include practical exercises, downloadable templates, and self-assessment.

Both courses were adapted from two publications recently produced by the CTO – the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Policy and Development Framework and the Multi-Hazard Risk Management Guide for the Caribbean Tourism Sector. They are part of the CTO’s ‘Supporting a Climate Smart and Sustainable Caribbean Tourism Industry’ project being implemented with funding and technical support to the tune of €460,173 from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), through the African Caribbean Pacific and European Union- funded Natural Disaster Risk Management (NDRM) programme.

“The CTO has been proactive in developing the two courses on topics that are instrumental to guide tourism sector resilience and response, given the multi-hazard context which confronts the region post COVID-19 and considering the predicted busy Atlantic hurricane season and the on-going challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the already highly exposed and vulnerable Caribbean tourism industry to climate and disaster risks and impacts,” noted Dr. Yves Robert Personna, NDRM project manager at the CDB. “The CDB commends the foresight and vision of the CTO in seeking to provision these resources for the regional tourism sector.”

Warm Hospitality and Warm Welcome: Curaçao is Open for Summer Travel

WILLEMSTAD – JUNE 8, 2021 – In preparation for a busy summer season with increasing demand from North America, the Caribbean island of Curaçao announced today the latest coronavirus statistics, entry requirements and special offerings for travelers this season. Curaçao reports that 86,000 people of those eligible have been vaccinated, and over the past three weeks, documented a record-low positivity rate of 0.15%.

Considering these significantly reduced numbers, the nightly curfew has been removed for the first time in over a year. On-island restrictions have also been lifted with outdoor restaurants, bars and lounges allowed to operate at full capacity. Additionally, the airlift offered prior to the pandemic has resumed. Direct flights are available from major cities and airports including Miami (MIA) and Charlotte (CLT) via American Airlines and from New York (JFK) via JetBlue, making Curaçao an easily accessible destination.

To welcome back travelers, starting now through June 29, visitors can book and take advantage of an island-wide promotion, which is valid for travel June 19 – October 30, 2021. Every fourth night is free at participating hotels, ranging from family-friendly boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts to luxury villas, private island retreats, trendy bungalows, and internationally known brand-name properties with suites of all sizes. The island’s unbeatable location below the hurricane belt offers year-round sunshine and reliable weather, making it a favored destination for Caribbean enthusiasts and tropical vacation seekers this summer.

“Having gone through a difficult 2020, the hospitality and tourism industry is now making an aggressive comeback and travelers are eager to getaway this summer,” states Paul Pennicook, CEO of the Curaçao Tourist Board. “Over the last 14 days, Curaçao has only seen 10 positive cases per 100,000 people. With an even bigger desire to serve our visitors, paired with new hotel deals and immersive outdoor adventures, Curaçao is primed for travelers to create meaningful experiences this season.”

Internationally recognized for its European-inspired architecture, cultural and culinary delights, as well as a signature uncrowded and relaxed ambiance, Curaçao provides the perfect getaway for those looking to stay safe and socially distanced this summer. There is no shortage of outdoor and al fresco activities to enjoy on-island, whether solo or with travel companions. Options include self-guided walking tours and private sailing trips, hiking and biking trails, kiteboarding, snorkeling and animal encounters. Standing firmly as one of the best diving destinations in the world, Curaçao offers a roster of more than 65 dive sites ranging from shipwrecks and drop-off reefs teeming with marine life. In addition, with more than 35 beaches that provide all sorts of landscapes, from rugged cove-like enclaves to breathtaking white-sand shorelines, travelers to Curaçao can explore the island unrestricted and enjoy ample room to soak up the sun as all beaches are fully open.

Welcoming all international visitors since January 1, 2021, Curaçao’s entry requirements and safety protocols have adapted to coincide with the evolving travel environment. To enter the country, travelers must complete the three mandatory steps on www.dicardcuracao.com:

1. Complete the digital immigration card online before departure.
2. Fill out the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) 48 hours prior to departure and carry a printed copy upon arrival, as well as schedule an antigen test at a local laboratory on their third day of travel in Curaçao.
3. Provide proof of a negative result from a certified COVID-19 PCR-test and carry a printed document of proof with them. Travelers will be required to upload their negative test results on www.dicardcuracao.com before their departure.

Current protocols require all potential visitors, both vaccinated and not, to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, though government officials and a consulting team of respected doctors are discussing possible future amendments to this policy. For more information on entry conditions and travel updates, visit www.curacao.com.

St. Lucia Eases On-Island Protocols For Covid-19 Vaccinated Travelers

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA (June 1, 2021) – The Government of Saint Lucia has announced that effective May 31, 2021, fully COVID-19 vaccinated travelers can enjoy more opportunities to experience the entire island.

Fully vaccinated travelers can now book rental cars, dine at more local restaurants, and take part in additional activities such as beach hopping, all while observing existing on-island protocols.

Vaccinated visitors now have increased access to all parts of Saint Lucia from day of arrival without restrictions and quarantine has been removed for vaccinated returning nationals. For example, vaccinated travelers are able to explore shops, markets, restaurants and activities throughout the island in popular areas including Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufrière and more.

All visitors to Saint Lucia can stay at a range of COVID-certified accommodations (hotels, villas, Airbnb). And for vaccinated visitors, they can now stay at more than two properties if preferred.

“For both visitors and our local residents, our commitment to safely and responsibly coexisting with COVID remains strong,” said Hon. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. “While all visitors to Saint Lucia can currently experience a wonderful vacation as well as approved tours and attractions, fully vaccinated travelers are now invited to explore the entire destination at their leisure, while following our protocols. We’ve successfully and safely managed tourism since reopening our borders in June 2020, with no need to close because of our protocols and the bubble we created for our visitors and frontline tourism workers. We are delighted to be able to expand the opportunities for vaccinated visitors and ease the restrictions for returning nationals. Vaccinated visitors can now truly vacation like a local.”

To qualify as fully vaccinated, travelers must have had the last dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose vaccine at least two weeks (14 days) prior to travel. Travelers will indicate that they are fully vaccinated when filling out the pre-arrival Travel Authorization form, and upload proof of vaccination. Visitors must travel with their vaccination card or documentation. Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, pre-registered fully vaccinated visitors will be expedited via a dedicated Health Screening line and will be provided with a non-electronic identification wristband for the duration of their stay. This wristband must be worn throughout the stay and removed when departing Saint Lucia.

Non-vaccinated travelers will continue to be permitted to stay at up to two certified properties for the first 14 days and non-vaccinated returning nationals will be required to apply for quarantine for the same period.

Regardless of vaccination status, no changes have been made to pre-arrival protocols for travelers, including: all arrivals to Saint Lucia (five years or older) must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than five (5) days before arrival; submit the online Travel Registration form; and must adhere to all safety protocols in place, including wearing a mask in public places. Detailed information on the latest travel COVID-19 protocols for all visitors, plus Frequently Asked Questions for vaccinated travelers can be found at www.stlucia.org/covid-19.

Since the first international flights returned to Saint Lucia in July 2020, the country has implemented consistent COVID protocols, providing increased safety for both visitors and local citizens. Some 80,000 international visitors have been welcomed from July 2020 – May 2021. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, along with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and Ministry of Tourism, continue to work in concert to provide swift responses to global COVID-19 developments.