Dominican Government will promote the recovery of the Tourism sector. They have announced that starting at the end of September 2020 there will be medical and trip protection insurance for all visitors to the Dominican Republic.
The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader Corona, announced today a set of initiatives to address the challenges facing the tourism sector as a result of the current pandemic and thus ensure that the country is a safe travel destination.
The Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan for COVID-19, led by the President himself, will contribute to taking care of the health, well-being and safety of tourists and will also promote a sustainable recovery of the tourism sector.
“Our goal is to minimize the effects of the pandemic and promote a responsible recovery that prioritizes health, maximizes the potential for job creation and economic growth, and encourages the sector to continue to develop in a sustainable way,” he said.
The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, for his part, explained that the new government in conjunction with the National Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) has had working meetings to understand the concerns of tourists and the needs of the sector in the country.
“We are focused on promoting the continuous growth of tourism, as well as our country’s image, convinced that together we will overcome the challenges of the pandemic and ensure that the Dominican Republic continues to occupy the first place in the region as a destination of choice for our foreign visitors. , both for vacationing, doing business, investing or a favorite place as a second residence, ”he said.
The plan presented by the government provides a set of measures to guarantee the health and safety of Dominican and foreign tourists. These measures will include new internationally certified sanitary protocols and will cover the entire industry, including restaurants and bars.
Sign to SDQ Las Américas International Airport
Measurements include:
*Starting at the end of September, random tests of rapid application will be carried out upon arrival in the country, such as the breath test for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Once this measure has been entered, the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test carried out prior to the visit, which is in force until then, will be eliminated.
*The use of masks and social distancing, essential elements during the stay in the country, will be mandatory.
*As of the last days of September, all tourists visiting a hotel will be temporarily granted a travel assistance plan that will include emergency coverage, telemedicine services, long-term accommodation and flight change costs before the occurrence of a COVID-19 contagion. This insurance will be provided at no cost to the visitor until December 2020, covered 100% by the Dominican State.
*A Labor Health Bubble will be implemented to ensure that hotel employees stay within their facilities for as long as possible.
*Effective health management will be carried out in the relationship with suppliers, contractors and employees. In the case of the latter, there will be a robust dynamics in the flow to and from the hotels, together with constant testing.
*Labor regulations are in the process of being adapted to minimize and mitigate risks for employees.
The government said that this protocol is in the process of certification by both Safe Travels of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Buró Veritas, both world leaders in certifications in the sector.
The plan will be in charge of a new Tourism Cabinet, led by the President of the Republic himself, under the executive direction of the Minister of Tourism and made up of institutions that directly affect the value chain of the sector. The Cabinet will constantly monitor the impact and effectiveness of each implemented initiative, adjusting when necessary.
This effort will be accompanied by an effective communication plan through all channels and points of contact with tourists and allies to let everyone know that the Dominican Republic is a safe country to travel. The communication plan includes training, detailed material, constant updating and optimization of search mechanisms.
Reference:
Ministerio de Turismo.
