June 4 - The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced a collaborative plan for re-opening the country’s borders and tourism sector, as well as the resumption of international commercial travel starting July 1. 

From procedures pertaining to entering and departing The Bahamas via airports and seaports, to a Clean & Pristine certification program implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and touchpoints, the plan outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for all visitors and residents alike.

 

A Phased Approach

The Bahamas’ tourism dependent economy will gradually come back online, following a strategic, phased approach that ensures critical health and safety protocols are being adhered to, and that the Health sector remains well equipped and ready to respond as necessary.

1. Phase 1, beginning on June 15, will allow for international boaters, yachters and private aviation to return to the destination.
2. Phase 2, beginning July 1, allows for the resumption of international travel, including:
             • Commercial airlines, both international and domestic
             • Hotels and vacation rentals, inclusive of Airbnb and HomeAway
             • Transportation ranging from taxis to jitneys and buses

 

What Travelers Should Expect

Travelers should expect to follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveler Campaign” that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.

In addition, several new procedures will be present throughout the on-island experience, including:

 

1. Accommodations:

• Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals will enforce extensive health and safety protocols like enhanced cleaning for guest rooms, public spaces, high touch point areas on frequent, regulated schedule • Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be readily available across properties • Employee health monitoring and temperature check points will be enforced • A limited number of guests will be permitted in elevators at one time • Unnecessary literature in guest rooms will be eliminated

 

2. Taxis and Independent Cars:

• Passengers and drivers should wear face masks at all times throughout their journey • Vehicles must reduce the maximum number of people by 50% (sedans can carry up to two persons and SUVs up to four persons) and passengers should not ride in the front seat

 

3. Excursions, tours, local attractions and shopping:

• Businesses must establish a maximum number of guests and limit the duration of each guest visit to allow for social distancing • When possible, guests will be encouraged to use personal gear (such as snorkeling gear) and businesses will have items available for purchase • Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless with the intent to purchase and cashless sales will be encouraged • Beach chairs must be arranged to allow six feet of social distancing between family units • A regular cleaning timetable and checklist must be established, reviewed, and maintained

 

4. Vessel and Ferry Operations

• Staff must wear a water-repellent or marine grade face mask during all passenger interactions and where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain • A maximum number of passengers permitted on-board will be reduced by 50% and passenger seating may be assigned to ensure proper distancing • Vessel sanitizing must take place before any passenger embarks the vessel and between all passenger exchanges. All high touch surfaces must be constantly and consistently cleaned during passage and at the end of each day

 

5. Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services

• Buffets will be discontinued until further notice. All meals must be single or prepackaged • Businesses must utilize disposable menus or offer on monitors or static display boards • Staff must wear PPE (disposable mask and gloves)

 

Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors. For more information, please visit bahamas.com

 

 

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