Possible Protocols to Kickstart Tourism

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) would like to kickstart tourism (and the foreign currency they bring). What are some of the considerations in a Covid-19 world?

As in any process, logic must dictate. These are some suggestions of things to be considered if we are serious about tourism pre-vaccine/cure. Let’s examine some of the basic needs. This point form roadmap is just that - the start of something that we can add to for consideration by governments and policymakers. This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point. Let's also remembers that most Caribbean islands have, to date, tested less than 2% of their population. These are the areas we should be starting with:

(1)   Pre-flight

(2)   Airline protocols

(3)   Arrival protocols

(4)   Destination protocols

(5)   Departure protocols

(6)   Island incentives

(1)   Pre-flight (passengers) - what protocols should be in place before even boarding?

a.      Antibody test - were they exposed to Covid-19 in the past?

b.      PCR test - are they currently infected with Covid-19?

c. Passengers misted before entering the departure lounge

(2)   Airline protocols

a.      Staff tested and Certified - or they become possible unwelcomed infectors

b.      Plane sanitized (mist; UVC) - virus-free people enter a virus-free environment

c.      Passengers masked (medical vs cloth) - reduced risk of spread in the event anyone slipped past the test; surgical masks (95% effective) vs cloth masks (65% effective)

d.      Protocols on drinking (Straws under masks?) and eating (?)

e.      Automatic Washroom sanitization after each use (UVC)

f.       Airline social distancing protocols - seat people a little apart

g.      HEPA/UVC air scrubbing protocols-ensure each plane meets minimum standards

(3)   Arrival protocols

a.      Planes 2-hours apart so no cross-contamination of flights (passengers) - most Caribbean airports cannot separate passengers waiting on test results - so distance arrival times of the flights to allow processing of passengers.

b.      Airport staff tested daily (Antibody test could be used as historical data is sufficient)

c.      Passengers misted on arrival - less chance of bringing virus on the island given survival timing of the virus on clothing, bags, suitcases, etc.

d.      Checked baggage sanitized (misted or UVC)

e.      Passengers tested again – both tests.  

f.       Security bands to identify passenger status. GOLD bands for those previously infected by no longer infectious

g.      Transported to a hotel in bus/taxi which has isolation protocols and standards which are monitored

h.      Anyone going to a private residence is confined to quarters for two weeks and tested before leaving. All people in that household must remain there for two weeks. The Government could set up isolation hotels (at subsidized rates) for Barbadians who want to return but not then cause the quarantine of their family (and thus loss of income etc).

(4)   Destination protocols

a.      An incentive for those infected (but cured) to visit our island

b.      No Airbnb nor Villas – unless protocols are put in place to track visitors

c.      All hotels must become all-inclusive with guests 'confined' to the hotel - no bars, clubs, fast food, restaurants (off property), shopping, etc.

d.      Charters/tours are available but one hotel at a time per tour - so a tour of Harrison Cave in Barbados would see the Hilton guests at 9:00 am; Marriott at 10 am; Sweetfield Manor at 11 am etc As such, there is less chance of our visitors being affected from guests in another hotel.

e.      Hotel visitors are allowed to NOT wear masks on property. Like a 'Fasten Seatbelt sign' - don't wear masks at your own risk.

f.       Hotel employees must wear masks/PPE etc

g.      Hotel employees must be tested frequently

h.      Hotel employees must be assigned to specific blocks so as not to cross-contaminate rooms/guests

i.        Hotel guests tested weekly

j.        No visitors allowed to rent cars or go shopping etc – only group activities/tours – unless they have a Gold band

(5)   Departure protocols

a.      With planes arriving every 2 hours, departures will be staggered so the halls don’t become overwhelmed

b.      Move guests ‘en masse’ from the hotels with the driver properly protected

c.      Ensure the vehicle is fully sanitized (mist, UVC) after drop-off and before collection of new guests

(6)   Island incentives

a.      People previously infected but ‘cured’ get incentives to travel – lower room rates, discounts at restaurants, shops, etc

b.      Anyone visiting that gets sick but are asymptomatic – moved to another hotel – not a government/medical facility.

c.      Airlines agree to no-penalties for change dates etc

This is a ‘minimum’ starting point and needs to be explored along with serious dialogue. In the end, we have a responsibility to keep our population safe, get our economy going, and assure our guests that while they are here, they are safe. I’m sure that some operators will oppose some of these suggestions as they will not be in their interests, but in these times we have to look at what is in the interests of our society and our guests. 

I’m sure that there will be some resistance from the airlines, but this is where we, as a nation, and as a united community (CARICOM) have to assert ourselves and insist on precautions. For example, can there be an automatic sanitization cycle after each washroom use? Absolutely! Airlines will scream that after the losses they have incurred, it would be expensive and unwarranted. The reality is that this is our new norm and we have to figure out what we want for our guests. It is also critical that we do this as a unified group – CARICOM. If we all insist on these protocols, you will not find all flights going to one island because they DON'T have these requirements. As a unified group, we can restart tourism relatively safely and even get the cruise industry started within the Caribbean - fly, stay, cruise. We can insist on protocols on the cruise vessels that make it safe for guests, but that's another dialogue. In the end, we need a unique and logical sequence that will allow us to open safely and stay open.