The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, announced a set of initiatives to counter the challenges faced by the tourism industry due to COVID-19.
The Plan for the Responsible Recovery of Tourism will be implemented by a new tourism cabinet, led by the president, and under the executive direction of the Minister of Tourism, to protect the health, welfare and safety of tourists and promote a sustainable recovery of the tourism sector.
Institutions that directly affect the industry?s value chain will make up the cabinet, that will constantly monitor the impact and effectiveness of each initiative implemented and adjust them when required. All channels and points of contact with tourists and allies will be used to communicate, once the plan is in action, that the Dominican Republic is a safe destination for travel.
"Our goal is to minimise the effects of the pandemic and facilitate a responsible recovery that prioritises health, maximises the potential for job creation and economic growth, and promotes the further sustainable development of the sector,? said President Abinader.
David Collado, Minister of Tourism, said, ?The new administration and the Association of Hotels and Tourism of Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) meeting to discuss and understand the tourists? concerns and the industry?s needs. We are focused on driving continuous growth for the sector, along with our country?s image.?
?We are confident that together we will overcome the challenges of the pandemic and ensure that the Dominican Republic remains the number one destination in the region for international travellers, who visit either for holidays, business, investment opportunities or returning to their preferred second home," Mr Collado added.
The government has provides a set of measures to ensure the health and safety of locals and visitors, which will be implemented in the travel and hospitality industry, including all restaurants and bars by the end of September. The following protocols are in the process of being certified by the World Travel and Tourism Council?s Safe Travels and Bureau Veritas.
The measures include, breath test for COVID-19 on randomly selected travellers, social distancing and the use of masks for the entire duration of the stay, a temporary travel assistance plan for visitors that takes care of emergencies, telemedicine, lodging for prolonged stays and costs of changing flights in the event of infection. The insurance will be fully paid for by the Dominican State until December 2020 at no extra cost. A Sanitary Bubble will be implemented for hotel employees restricting their stay within the facilities and the properties will implement effective health management with suppliers, contractors and employees. All employees will be tested regularly and will follow a specific protocol for coming in and going out. Labour regulations will be adapted to minimise and mitigate risks for employees.
For more information visit: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/
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