Aside from cruises, COVID-19 vaccine for guests now a must in Caribbean hotels
A number of hotels in the Caribbean have included complete vaccination against COVID-19 as a mandatory requirement to guests before entering the premises.
A recent article by Forbes revealed that Elite Island Resorts, a major hotel group that boasts an all-inclusive nine hotels in the Caribbean and Central America, has decided to implement this requirement to “protect the hospitals of these smaller island nations.”
This rule takes effect on September 1st at its following properties:
- Antigua: Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove, St. James’s Club & Villas, Pineapple Beach Club and The Verandah Resort
- St. Lucia: St. James’s Club Morgan Bay
- The Grenadines: Palm Island
- Barbados: The Club Barbados
- Panama: Los Establos Boutique Inn
Travelers who are entering the hotels must present a proof of vaccination, which can either be a written Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) vaccination card for US citizens, an National Health Service (NHS) vaccination report, pass, or certificate for those coming from the UK, an official vaccination receipt (for Canada), or similar official medically and governmentally recognized document.
Elite Island Resorts Founder and CEO Robert A. Barrett said that “mandating vaccines was the wisest option in protecting the critical tourism industry” of the islands where they operate. He added that “the only way we will be able to keep travel and tourism going strong throughout the fall and winter.”
Barrett recognized the potential backlash of the decision to ban unvaccinated travelers, but said that the good would outweigh the bad in the long run.
“Travel breeds tolerance and with this decision, we don’t seek to divide, because as hoteliers, we bring cultures and people together,” he said. “Yet, in today’s world, we must consider so many more variables to do that, all while respecting the integrity of these beautiful islands and the people who work in them.”
Vaccination is also a must for Royal Caribbean Cruise guests aged 12 years old and above, according to WIC News. This is to be able to align with The Bahamas’ new coronavirus vaccine requirements.
Guests under the age of 12 who are not currently eligible for the vaccination can still cruise, as long as they continue to deliver a negative test result during and adhere to certain health and safety protocols.