CTO News

Trinidad Accommodation Properties Awarded HST Stamp

Port of Spain, Trinidad – Thursday January 14, 2021 – Three (3) accommodation properties in Trinidad have successfully been awarded the Healthier Safer Stamp (HST) by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). The HST Stamp is a measurable and verifiable assurance to travellers of a healthier and safer travel and tourism option.

The three (3) accommodation properties are:

• Chez Jeanne Bed and Breakfast
• Inna Citi Place
• Pax Guest House

Officially approved by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the region’s leading tourism organizations, the Healthier Safer Tourism Stamp is granted to touristic entities and destinations that are implementing the recommended proactive Covid-19 health monitoring and safety measures.

As part of their certification process, the three (3) accommodation facilities are actively utilising the Tourism and Health Information System (THiS), which is a CARPHA web-based early warning and response information system. This system aids in the early capture and trends of illnesses in real time, thus reducing spread and any possible reputational damage of the Destination. Some of the best practices implemented by these awarded facilities include temperature scans, testing, physical distancing, enhanced frequency of cleaning and the provision of hygiene kits for safe air travel, hospitality services and safe events.

The three (3) accommodation properties are now also listed on the Caribbean Traveller’s Health Mobile App as preferred, safe options for travellers. The awardees will also be listed on the websites of CARPHA and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), with links to regional and international health and tourism stakeholders.

Announcing this news, the Chief Executive Officer (Ag.) of Tourism Trinidad Limited, Mrs. Heidi Alert, remarked that “with more of our tourism facilities obtaining the CARPHA health assurance stamp, we will succeed in building travellers’ confidence and accelerate the recovery of our local tourism industry. The building of confidence applies to both domestic tourists as well as international visitors when that time comes. We encourage all our tourism partners to implement the new approach to safe travel in the COVID-19 world. 

We cannot over emphasise the importance of demonstrating self-regulation and increasing compliance to regional and international standards to ensure our readiness as a Destination. This is a great first achievement, and we trust that other establishments will follow suit”.

Tourism Trinidad’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Heidi Alert, also reaffirmed “the organisation’s commitment to continue its partnership with CARPHA as certifications such as the Healthier and Safer Tourism Stamp are crucial during these unprecedented times to give guests a safe and enjoyable experience, free of worry”.

In 2020 Tourism Trinidad conducted an extensive and complimentary series of COVID-19 training for the industry, utilising the services of COSTAAT and CARPHA, for a wide range of tourism stakeholders to provide a comprehensive understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the prerequisite protection and safety measures.

Over five hundred (500) persons accessed this training that is a crucial step in the overall preparation for eventual reopening of Destination Trinidad to international travellers.

Saint Lucia Offers Multiple Options for Departing Travelers 

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA (January 15, 2021) – In response to the U.S., UK and Canadian governments’ requirements of a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test for airline passengers, Saint Lucia is set to meet the demand for on-island Covid-19 testing and processing. And this brings positive news for Saint Lucia vacationers, as select hotels are offering complimentary testing for guests who qualify.

Saint Lucia has multiple Covid-19 PCR and antigen (rapid) testing options for departing visitors, citizens and residents. Travelers can obtain a Covid-19 test conveniently at select hotels or at local testing facilities, with test results returned within the requisite 72-hour time frame. There are additional options in development to expand testing locations. Travelers can make appointments for tests once they arrive on island or through their Covid-certified hotel. Pricing varies based on location and the type of test administered.

Saint Lucia and its accommodation providers aim to ease the stress and cost of vacation planning. As an added perk, select hotels are offering complimentary antigen (rapid) tests to guests who qualify.

As of January 15, the hotels and villas offering complimentary Covid-19 antigen (rapid) testing to qualified guests include: Anse Chastanet; all five Bay Gardens properties; Calabash Cove Resort & Spa; Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel; Cap Maison Resort & Spa; Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa; Jade Mountain; Ladera Resort; Marigot Bay Resort and Marina; Rabot Hotel from Hotel Chocolat; Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia; Serenity at Coconut Bay; Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort; Stonefield Villa Resort; Tet Rouge and Ti Kaye Resort & Spa. Additional properties in Saint Lucia are anticipated to roll out complimentary testing in the coming weeks. Restrictions may apply and visitors should check with their accommodation provider for details; select hotels are offering PCR tests to guests who meet qualifications.

Detailed information about testing options will soon be available at the Saint Lucia Covid-19 Travel Advisory page at www.StLucia.org/covid-19. Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, along with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism, continue to work in concert to provide swift responses to global Covid-19 developments.

Since the first international flights returned to Saint Lucia in July 2020, the country has implemented consistent responsible Covid-19 protocols, providing increased safety for both visitors and local citizens. For information about the It’s Time For Saint Lucia winter travel promotion with hotels, resorts and villas with rates up to 65% go to www.SaintLuciaTime.com for special offers.

*List of hotels offering free testing as of January 15, 2021; guests must qualify and restrictions apply; visitors are advised to check with their hotel provider. 

Grenada Launches New Travel Hotline

St. George’s, Grenada W.I. – 15th January, 2021 – The Ministry of Tourism and the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) have launched a new hotline which will specifically deal with travel related inquiries. This hotline is considered necessary by Tourism officials to assist travel agents, tour operators, visitors or returning nationals with general inquiries about entry protocols, guidance on where to stay or where to go during a visit to Grenada, Carriacou & Petit Martinique. The following are the hotline numbers:

Toll free USA only – 1 888 251 1732 – 8am to 10pm (Atlantic Standard Time)

Worldwide – 1 213 283 0754 – 8am to 10pm (Atlantic Standard Time)

Callers on island – 440-0670 – 8am to 4pm

Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Climate Resilience and the Environment Hon. Dr. Clarice Modeste-Curwen says the hotline is aimed at, ‘making the process of obtaining information much easier as travelers make the decision to come to Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean. We are happy to extend the hotline hours to ensure that we maintain as much coverage as possible.”

For further information on travel requirements, visit covid19.gov.gd or puregrenada.com.

Anguilla’s Statement on CDC Universal Testing Requirements

From Hon. Minister of Tourism, Hayden Hughes: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially announced that effective January 26, 2021, all international airline passengers travelling to the USA, including those returning from vacation, must present to the airline written documentation confirming a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 3 days of their flight departure. Passengers who fail to do so will be denied boarding.

Testing has been at the forefront of Anguilla’s reopening strategy — that includes testing on arrival and departure. Therefore, the CDC’s requirement for testing on departure for all visitors returning to the US is one that Anguilla has the capacity to handle in an efficient manner.

We are in fact already providing this service on request to guests. With the assistance of the UK government through Public Health UK, we are increasing our testing capability to ensure that we meet the anticipated demand.  The Canadian government imposed a similar requirement effective January 7, 2021, and the United Kingdom mandate comes into effect as of this Friday, January 15, 2021.

We have taken every precaution and introduced stringent protocols to ensure the health and safety of both our visitors and our local residents. Our effective management of this disease has resulted in just 11 cases recorded since we reopened our borders last November, and no community spread.

As we continue to welcome visitors to Anguilla, we are confident that our guests will continue to enjoy an extraordinary vacation experience with us.

Bahamas Poised to Seamlessly Integrate New CDC Order into Existing Protocols

NASSAU, Bahamas, January 13, 2021 – Yesterday, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all air passengers flying to the U.S. from a foreign country will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or Antigen test), taken no more than 3 days prior to the flight. This new regulation will apply to all travellers ages 2 and older, including U.S. citizens and international travellers. The order will go into effect on January 26, 2021.

Furthermore, any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last three months must be prepared to show documentation of recovery, which consists of proof of their positive viral test, coupled with a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official, providing clearance to travel. Airlines will be responsible for confirming the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before they board and will deny boarding to any person who does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test.

The Government of The Bahamas has successfully implemented stringent measures to protect its citizens, residents and visitors, and is well positioned to adhere to this new order, seamlessly integrating the CDC’s testing requirements into The Bahamas’ existing COVID-19 protocols. Currently, visitors to The Bahamas who stay longer than four nights and five days are required to take a rapid antigen test on the fifth day of their stay, with a number of testing sites throughout The Bahamas approved to administer tests. This means travellers and residents alike, readily have access to the viral tests, now required to enter the U.S.

“The Bahamas Government will continue to work in accordance with the CDC to curb the spread of COVID-19, which has been our top priority since the onset of this global pandemic,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, The Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “Our journey has not been without bumps in the road, but we have made great strides in combatting this virus as evidenced by the very low case numbers we have now achieved. Visitors to our shores should have peace of mind knowing that we are making every effort to keep The Bahamas safe, and can now offer a turnkey, affordable and reliable testing process that meets U.S. requirements.”

All U.S. travellers to The Bahamas as well as Bahamian citizens and residents are required to abide by the CDC’s protocols to enter the U.S. An overview of these requirements, as well as FAQs, can be found on the CDC website.

For a list of approved COVD-19 testing sites in The Bahamas, as well as a full overview of The Bahamas’ travel and entry protocols, please visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

Due to the fluidity of COVID-19, the Government of The Bahamas will continue to monitor cases across the islands and loosen or tighten restrictions as needed. The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.