Dominica reports 308% increase in tourism arrivals

Dominican Republic has reopened, here’s what travellers need to know

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — After reopening to tourists on July 1 following months of lockdown due to COVID-19, the Dominican Republic has now announced new safety protocols for hotels and all other tourism operators.

According to Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier García, all safety measures adhere to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and have been coordinated between government and private entities.

“Our guiding principle is to generate a framework and tools to offer unforgettable tourist experiences in accordance with the most rigorous standards in the industry,” he said.

The following safety protocols have been implemented to help ensure the health and safety of travellers and residents alike:

 

AIRPORTS

 

  • All passengers will have their temperature checked as they disembark the plane
  • Passengers who register a temperature above 38 C degrees or present any other symptoms will undergo a rapid COVID-19 test; airport authorities will also initiate the protocols for isolation and treatment
  • Social distancing measures have been implemented at airport terminals
  • Use of face masks is mandatory for employees and passengers
  • Passengers are required to fill out and submit a Traveller’s Health Affidavit to declare they have not felt any COVID-19-related symptoms in the last 72 hours as well as provide contact details for the following 30 days

 

HOTELS

 

  • Guests will undergo temperature checks at check-in and sign a declaration of health
  • Guests will be provided with masks and disinfectant gel
  • Hotel spaces will be redistributed to maintain distance in all common areas
  • Baggage disinfection
  • Elimination of self-serve food and beverage so that utensils are handled only by personnel
  • Special protocols for the care and isolation of guests with symptoms

 

RESTAURANTS

 

  • Tables are to be distanced at least two metres apart, with 10 diners maximum per table
  • Implementation of digital menus, disposable printed menus or other options that reduce physical contact
  • Use of food dinsifectants for produce consumed raw
  • Frequent disinfection of all high-touch surfaces

 

MARITIME TRANSPORT AND AQUATIC SPORTS

 

  • Temperature checks prior to boarding any excursion transportation
  • Thorough sanitization of all equipment used by customers (ie. Tanks, masks, paddles, etc.) before and after use
  • All boats will be sanitized before and after each use
  • Maintaining established safety distance throughout the activity

 

OTHER RECREATIONAL & TOURISM ACTIVITIES

 

  • These guidelines apply to horseback riding, sightseeing, zip lines, theme parks and paintball
  • Reduction of vehicle occupancy to 50% to guarantee safe distances between clients
  • Use of masks inside all vehicles
  • Preparation of one-way routes to avoid crossing paths with other groups
  • Sanitization of all surfaces and equipment (ie. Reins, harnesses, helmets, vests, etc.)

 

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Public Health are tasked with supervising the compliance of all safety protocols. In addition, in the case of hotels, a certification program has been established by a Quality Council headed by the National Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), guaranteeing that establishments comply with the regulations.

 

For more updates go to https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/.

 


 

For more destination updates go to https://www.travelweek.ca/news/destinations-reopening-list/.

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