Antigua and Barbuda has continued its model tourism reopening with a new designation by the US CDC as a “low-risk” destination. 

Antigua and Barbuda has been moved to Level 1, the lowest risk level, in the most recent travel advisory by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

In other words, it’s one of the safest destinations in the world right now.

Level 1 countries include those like Australia and New Zealand — countries that have reported fewer than 50 cases in the last days. 

 “We are delighted that Americans can have confidence in traveling to our shores,” said The Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment.  “We have worked very hard to ensure the safety of our people and our visitors and this has paid off in lower numbers of COVID infections and reduced impact on our economy. This latest announcement by the CDC is an endorsement of everything we have done.” 

Antigua was among the first Caribbean destinations to reopen for tourism when it did so at the beginning of June 2020. 

Since then, it’s embarked on an exemplary tourism reopening. 

“There is every indication that this is another step towards a full recovery,” Fernandez said.  “We want to ensure that we move forward enthusiastically but with all necessary care to ensure that we do this right.”

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Southwest Airlines is set for a big Caribbean relaunch this coming fall, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The announcement comes as increased vaccinations and traveler confidence continue to lead to a tourism rebound in the Caribbean. 

“With demand for beach and leisure destinations continuing to increase, Southwest intends to resume service to all of its previously served international destinations by Nov. 7,” the carrier said in a statement. 

That will kick off Oct. 7, when Southwest relaunches daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, The Bahamas; Grand Cayman and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. 

No Nov. 7, Southwest will then resume daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale to both Cancun, Mexico and Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

On the same date, Southwest will also resume once-daily nonstop service from Houston Hobby and Belize City, Belize. 

Southwest also announced it would be launching a new nonstop route to Cancun, with daily service from Chicago O’Hare and Cancun beginning Nov. 7. 

Southwest will serve Cancun from a total of 17 airports in the United States this winter. 

— CJ

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