The entire country of the Dominican Republic will open up for international tourism beginning July 1, according to Lucien Echavarria, director at the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic.

In an exclusive interview with Caribbean Journal, Echavarria said about 40-50 percent of the country’s hotel inventory would open its doors in July, with the remaining hotels expected to open in November.

Although she couldn’t provide further details about the carrier names at press time, she noted that the destination will receive “several” flights on July 1.

Indeed, Punta Cana International Airport confirmed that it was restarting commercial operations on July 1.

Punta Cana’s airport, the busiest in the Dominican Republic, says it will receive flights from cities including New York and San Juan on July 1, followed by other airlines in the following days like Air Canada Route and Frontier, among others.

And although Punta Cana and its airport tend to get most of the attention when it comes to the Dominican Republic, Echavarria said it was important to open the whole country at once.

“We didn’t want to do this region by region,” she said, noting that all airports in the country will also be operational on July 1. “We didn’t want to do Punta Cana, then Puerto Plata and so on. No, we wanted to open the whole country so we can get back faster.”

Echavarria noted that there will be safety precautions at all airports to ensure people are not carrying the coronavirus, including temperature checks for all passengers.

The destination’s hotels are also preparing for travelers with new health and safety precautions.

The Dominican Republic’s eagerness to open may have to do with how prepared the country has been, Echavarria said.

“Throughout [the COVID-19 pandemic) we have remained in close contact with our tourism partners from operators to hoteliers to agencies,” said Echavarria. “We are ready and we know we are in a position to be among the fastest to recover because we are close and safe.”

For more, visit the Dominican Republic.

The post Dominican Republic to Reopen for Tourism July 1 appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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As travelers begin to return to the region, the Caribbean’s leading destinations are devising new ways to attract them.

Right at the forefront is The Bahamas, which has been taking its sales and promotion efforts “virtual” amid the new realities of the travel industry.

The Bahamas has been hosting a series of “virtual” sales meetings with partners in the United States and Canada in a bid to keep the destination top of mind “for not only the travel trade but other business partners and suppliers.”

Without the ability to host traditional face-to-face interactions with its sales team, the country’s Ministry of Tourism quickly pivoted to online events, virtual trip simulations and live social media sessions.

“While grappling with the effects of COVID-19, all travel was put on hold”, said Director General Jibrilu. “But we remained committed to providing our travel suppliers, travel agent communities, key meeting planners and destination wedding planners, flying ambassadors, boating community and all of our other business partners with the resources and information they needed to assure new and returning guests, we would be ready once the world was ready to travel again. Now, more than ever, we need to show our partners just how important they are since we will be calling upon them to help bring tourists back to our shores, the moment it is safe to do so.”

The response has gotten “rave reviews,” officials said.

“It was very uplifting to hear from Director General Joy Jibrilu that The Islands Of The Bahamas will be safely opening soon to travelers from North America; getting to The Bahamas is so easy with nonstop flights from the U.S. – people can get from their home to the beach in a matter of hours,” said Bob Duglin, vice president of the International Membership & Host Agencies for the American Society of Travel Advisors.

It’s the “next normal” for the travel industry, and it’s accelerated the destination’s efforts in “further developing and leveraging digital resources and platforms,” the Ministry told Caribbean Journal.

— CJ

The post Bahamas Tourism Is Going Virtual in Renewed Sales Push appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas is expecting to reopen at the end of June, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The relaunch of the iconic resort, long the leading resort in St Thomas, comes as the United States Virgin Islands recently reopened for tourism. 

“We are thrilled to welcome guests at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas again at the end of June,” Clifford Brutus, the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, told Caribbean Journal. “Our ladies and gentlemen on property have been working tirelessly to implement Marriott International’s elevated cleanliness protocols and other measures to prepare and ensure our guests feel confident in staying with us. We are working closely with local authorities to adhere to guidelines and are ready to create memorable stays for our visitors and to offer some respite from the past months.”

The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas has adapted for the new normal of travel, with social distancing to be practiced throughout the property, including the separation of pool and beach chairs by six feet. 

For housekeeping, guests will have the option to choose how often they want their rooms cleaned, and whether they want turn down service, for example.

Activities like watersports will be available, but on a reduced basis – the resort’s signature catamaran, Lady Lynsey, for example, will run daily trips at 50 percent capacity. 

The resort’s Ritz-Kids, Club Lounge and Spa will not be open for the initial launch but will reopen “ASAP,” according to Ritz-Carlton. 

The 180-room resort had just competed a $100 million transformation at the end of 2019. 

For more, visit The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas. 

— CJ

The post The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas Is Reopening in June appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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