Robin Russell, Chairman of the Montego Bay Chapter of the JHTA - file photo
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Robin Russell
Draft protocols to govern the reopening of the tourism sector have been issued to hotels for review.
Robin Russell, Chairman of the Montego Bay Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) says some of the protocols, including sanitation and physical distancing are being implemented.
He says changes are being made based on suggestions or concerns raised.
According to Mr. Russell, this has added to the delay for a reopening date being announced.
The JHTA has been pressuring the government to give a clear indication when the country's air and sea ports will reopen so that the tourism sector can get back on track.
Mr. Russell has said despite the agitation, the JHTA understands that there can be no room for error.
"It is important that we open safely. It is important that our staff stay safe and it is important that our guests stay safe because the industry depends on that safety. We're willing to get it right and get it right the first time because we cannot close the industry again when guests are here, when tourists are here," he insisted.
He said some resorts have indicated that they will not be opening their doors until November due to the negative connotation that people will not be travelling.
Mr. Russell said a big part of the reopening strategy is to cater to locals.
But he noted that another hold-up to a reopening date being announced is the treatment of guests to ensure they are not carriers of the coronavirus.
He said what has to be established is that visitors cannot be quarantined on arrival in Jamaica and when they return to their home countries.
Mr. Russell argued that other protocols will have to be agreed such as temperature checks, the wearing of masks and rapid COVID-19 tests.
"I think that is the elephnt in the room that we're all trying to figure out the answer for because we might have a stipulation and we might say this is what we are going to demand of our guests or we are going to demand of our airlines coming into Jamaica. But if the rest of the world doesn't have those same requirements and the travel partners then we will have no flights into Jamaica. So it's gonna be a hard decision, but I think what's going to have to happen is that we're going to have to put protocols in place as an industry and a country and treat everybody as if they have the disease," he said.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said the new measures for the sector may include a "Health Passport" for guests.
Mr. Holness said the idea is to obtain some health information on tourists entering the island.
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