Tourists to be restricted to certain parts of the island

Tourists wishing to vacation in Jamaica when the borders reopen to non-nationals will be restricted to certain parts of  the island.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told a media briefing yesterday that his ministry has mapped out what he called a resilience corridor for tourism travel.

Tourists would be restricted mainly to coastal resort areas:.

“Tourist movement in this area will be controlled and they will not be allowed to leave the corridor. The corridor essentially moves from Negril along the main road areas east north east, along that highway, all the way to Port Antonio. So all the properties on the windward side - the beach side- will be embraced in that corridor.”

The tourism minister says businesses along the corridor will go through extensive training and will not be allowed to open until they are assessed by the Tourism Product Development Company.

He added that tourism officials have been in talks with international logistics and insurance companies in relation to low-cost insurance for tourists, as this would allow for quick repatriation of  travellers who test positive for covid-19.

“We are very pleased that they are in consultations and discussions with us, looking at a programme that will allow low cost coverage for visitors who come to the country. Without giving the full figure, it will be less than $20 per person...” 

The tourism minister also said  protocols are being put in place to protect workers in the tourism sector.

“All workers will have access to an on site train COVID-19 safety and an on site or on call medical professional. This will provide workers with the resources they need for quick consultation, isolating and testing if required.”

According to Bartlett, training sessions have been organised for workers.