“Covid-19 Free” Caribbean and Safer Tourism for the Winter

By Kedrick Malone

Commendably, the Caribbean has responded proactively to the Covid-19 pandemic. Borders

were effectively closed, health system response capacity was increased, citizens were

educated on preventative measures through intensive communication campaigns, curfews

were successfully implemented and a host of other proactive measures were executed to

minimize the internal spread of the virus. Based on WHO statistics, as of July 29, 16 islands

have less than 10 active cases with 13 of those less than 5 and 6 with zero cases. This, after

all opened internally and about 10 opened to visitors.

The Challenge with Reopening Tourism

Islands have opened to tourists with varying degrees of success. All require some form of

negative Covid-19 test result for entry, either before travelling or upon arrival, and the

submission of a health screening form. All destinations have put health standards and

protocols in place for ports of entry, transportation, hotels, restaurants and other points of

contact for both residents and visitors. Despite the measures, some islands started to see

increase cases of Covid-19 after reopening to visitors. Some are now considering that they

may have reopened too early or need to relook at their standards, protocols and processes.

The “2nd Wave and the Vaccine

The question of when and how to reopen safely is now complicated by the fact that major

tourism source markets are now experiencing a “2nd wave” of infections. The coming fall flu

season in winter markets will add confusion about Covid-19 cases given their similarity in

symptoms. Additionally, questions remain about the reopening of schools which adds more

uncertainty to what will happen in source markets this winter season. With experts predicting

January as the earliest possible date for a vaccine or herd immunity, the next six months is

packed with challenges.

Many families in the colder flu zone states and countries are now considering the “Caribbean

for the winter” anticipating another cold winter being locked down in their houses. Many are

prepared to spend extended periods of the winter in the Caribbean given they can work from

home and schools are very likely to continue remote learning programs in the fall. With

internet services in the region now comparable to those in major source markets, many will

opt to spend extended periods in the Caribbean with its alluring outdoor living and activities

one Zoom call away.

Managed Risk and Safer Tourism

This spells opportunity for the Caribbean if it can achieve the right balance that protects its

people and at the same time allow its tourism economies to operate. However, as many that

have opened are learning about getting it right, the devil is indeed in the details.

The Caribbean protocols and standards published by its Covid-19 Regional Task Force

provides a way forward with the following three objectives:

1. Utilize effective and efficient testing for Covid-19 to eliminate positive cases from

entering the region;

2. maintain and execute Covid-19 health and safety protocols to protect workers, visitors

and citizens;

3. manage information and communication so that both visitors and destination officials

are able to exchange information at all times.

These three objectives can be classifies as the Three Ts (Testing, Training and Tracking) of

Safer Tourism and can be achieved as follows:

1. Testing: Based on expert advice, testing 48 to 72 hours before travel departure and

48 hours after arrival in a destination, allows visitors with two negative tests to freely

enjoy their vacation interacting in a destination observing the same standard safety

protocols as residents. Guests can quarantine for 48-hours in the comfort of their

hotel room.

2. Training: Consistently good optics are critical in this Covid-19 environment where

guests are actively looking for any evidence that boost their confidence in feeling safe.

It is therefore imperative that frontline staff get daily training on the operational and

behavioral aspects of health and safety protocols until a culture change takes place in

the workplace. It only takes one incident of protocol breach or poor execution to make

the guest feel unsafe and harm the reputation of an establishment.

3. Tracking: Interactive digital technology that engages visitors before, during and after

their visit and provides up to the minute information 24/7 is necessary. Technology

that pulls information from various sources such as Health, Immigration, Tourism and

other official sources and seamlessly present it as needed, in the form required and

on a device determined by the user will help tourists feel safer.

It is impossible to totally eliminate risk, but it can be managed in a way that protects workers

and local residents and makes visitors feel as safe as driving a car.

The “Covid-19 Free” Caribbean can be the “2 nd wave” destination of choice this winter.

Contact Kedrick Malone at: kedrick.malone@northstarbvi.com