Bartlett gives preview to tourism in COVID-era

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said persons destined for Jamaica will be tested to ensure there are no infected passengers on aircraft and cruise ships, adding that safeguards would be in place at the airports to insulate workers from infection.

"When the traveller arrives, a similar arrangement will again be at the carport with additional checks to ensure the health conditions. Then [there will be] a whole series of protocols straight to the hotels, and then in the hotels, another set of protocols, including social distancing," Bartlett said.

The minister said COVID-19 has created a new mindset that might be around for a while, which incorporates physical distancing, wearing of facial covers, and generally, an adjustment in social interaction.

"Passengers may have to arrive three hours prior at the airport. The flow of tourism will be not as bullish as before, as destinations become more COVID-resilient, and confidence is built on the part of travellers," he said.

May not be a difficult

"Social distancing will be a feature in the short run; at the hotels, they are making arrangements. Our beaches are pretty wide and extensive... [as such] to deal with social distancing may not be a difficult assignment at all. Tourists already know that using our beaches normally involved social distancing ... so it's a matter of rearranging that," he added.

The minister noted, however, that banqueting and buffeting, and dining, could be managed to ensure that visitors have space, and are comfortably served.

"All of that planning will be made to happen and not inconvenience visitors, and room service and butler service will be available as usual," Bartlett said.