Caribbean launches set of healthy tourism initiatives

Part of CARPHA’s Traveler’s Health Program (THP), the Caribbean Travelers Health Assurance stamp for Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) is a recognition that identifies tourism entities and destinations that are implementing the recommended proactive Covid-19 health monitoring and safety measures.

The stamp will work hand in hand with CARPHA’s second initiative, the Caribbean Traveler’s Health Mobile App – on which hospitality facilities that have been awarded the HST stamp will be listed as preferred options for travellers. The app also provides travel health information by each Caribbean destination (inclusive of vaccination requirements, healthcare facilities, accommodations listings), health alerts of current public health issues, Covid-19 proactive/prevention measures, and travel requirements by country (testing, health screening, pre-approval and tracking).

One connected package giving travellers to the Caribbean assurance of safety

“Caribbean travellers now have the added assurance of a healthier, safer option for accommodations (hotels, guesthouses) and services (transport, tour operators) awarded the HST stamp,” said Dr Joy St John, CARPHA’s Executive Director.

Lastly, CARPHA has also launched its Proactive COVID-19 Health Measures for Tourism, which are aimed at building travellers’ assurance, tourism resilience, and regional health security. The health measures include utilising the Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) – which is a web-based, early warning and response information system that captures illnesses in real time and so reduces spread and reputational damage – and carrying out certified training in Covid-19 health measures for the hospitality sector.

Cruise ships soon to be included in the initiative

The app will be expanded next year to include cruise ships that have been awarded the stamp, said Dr Lisa Indar, Director of Surveillance and Head of the THP.

ITIJ notes that these new initiatives brought in by CARPHA are yet another great example of schemes that will help bring more travel trade to the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts’ and AIC Hotel Group’s having launched complimentary travel insurance for specified hotels in the Caribbean in October being others.