Following the border closure due to COVID-19 safety measures, Belize reopens for international leisure travel on October 1, 2020.
As the health and safety of both travellers and locals are a top priority for Belize, the country has introduced a Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Programme and tourism safe corridor. The Gold Standard Recognition Programme aims to certify accommodations and tour operators that have adapted new behaviours and health and safety procedures while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience.
In this first phase of reopening, only Gold Standard hotels approved to reopen within the tourism safe corridor will be available to travellers; the safe corridor is a temporary measure and will minimise the interaction between tourists and the local community to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“We need to think of our citizens as well; and these new measures protect them while also setting the stage for the safe return of international travellers to enjoy the Belizean experience and support our tourism industry,” said Karen Bevans, Director of Tourism at BTB. The Tourism Gold Standard programme is a nine-point system designed to enhance Belize’s health and safety standards by implementing new procedures, including the mandatory use of face masks, social distancing, contactless guest solutions, enhanced room cleaning, daily staff and guest health checks, and restricted capacity for restaurants and tours. More on Belize’s reopening protocols can be found here along with the approved Gold Standard hotels; new properties are added daily, so travelers are encouraged to visit often for updates.
Source: Caricom Today