WILLEMSTAD- June 16, 2020 – In preparation for the gradual reopening of our borders, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the Environment and Nature (GMN), the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO), the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and the private sector are all working on the implementation of a new set of protocols for the hospitality industry. With these guidelines, the industry will be ready to apply additional safety practices, enhanced sanitation procedures and social distancing guidelines set forth by the public health authorities.
Additionally, this information will support our partners abroad who promote and sell our destination. This set of health and safety protocols, branded “A Dushi Stay, the Healthy Way,” is aimed to convey that Curaçao is nearly COVID-19 free and is a destination offering visitors a safe, healthy and enjoyable stay while ensuring they, and tourism industry employees alike, adhere to the guidelines that come with the new normal.
The health and well-being of visitors, those working in the industry and the local population remains paramount as Curaçao strives to reopen its borders in the near future. The protocols will include instruction on communication processes amongst tourism industry personnel, as well as with tourists before and after their arrival, during their stay, and after their return to their home country. The program will also cover personnel training, measures to prevent the spread of infections, physical distancing regulations, hygiene and sanitation guidelines, and the procedures to be followed if someone is showing COVID-19 symptoms.
To assure that tourism industry partners on the island are well-informed on these protocols, the CTB, in close collaboration with GMN and the private sector will be providing ‘information sessions’ for the hospitality sector, specifically for businesses in the accommodation, restaurant, attractions, public transportation and watersports industries. The Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism Association (CHATA) will take care of communicating the “A Dushi Stay, the Healthy Way” protocols to their members.
For travel agents abroad and the island’s future visitors, the CTB has prepared a digital welcome card and video with a clear and easy breakdown of the arrangements that our destination has put in place to start receiving visitors once again.
Like many other countries around the globe, Curaçao has been affected by COVID-19. The developments in connection with this pandemic brought our tourism industry to a full stop. With the responsible and gradual reopening of our borders, Curaçao will begin to receive tourists once more. The CTB will continue monitoring all developments and remain in consultation with the relevant and competent authorities in order to be able to share all necessary information across our markets. We have left the old normal behind. Together, we are about to embark on the road to the new normal.
