The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, has created a five-phase plan for reopening and is targeting July 1 as the date to official reopen The Bahamas to tourists.
Properties on Nassau that will be reopening on July 1 include Baha Mar, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Atlantis Paradise Island, the Melia Nassau Beach-All Inclusive and The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort.
Southwest and American Airlines will be resuming flights to Nassau in early July.
“Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and well-being of our residents and visitors,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director-General, Joy Jibrilu, in a statement. “We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector. We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for.”
The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveler Campaign” encourages travelers to continue practicing social distancing, to regularly wash their hands and use hand sanitizer, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks.
At airports and seaports, temperature screenings for all incoming visitors will be conducted by healthcare personnel. Travelers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim. When departing, flights will be scheduled to every other gate to provide as much distance between flights as possible, and greater time will be provided for boarding to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.
In addition, several new procedures will be present throughout the on-island experience, including:
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
Taxis and Independent Cars
Passengers and drivers should wear face masks at all times
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
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
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.
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 masks and gloves)
For more information, or to view the Bahamas Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, go to bahamas.com. For more updates on new protocols, visit Recommend’s Safe Travels page. Stories about future travel can be accessed at #AmazingDaysAhead.
