Visitor Vibes
As international travel begins to kick in, locals are welcoming tourists again at popular destinations in the Caribbean and Europe.
The beach is calling. Courtesy: Getty Images.
According to CARICOM, countries are ready to say hello. Based in The Bahamas, Henry Rolle, 25, a masters student in international trade law said, “As the months progressed, restrictions gradually lessened. We had a curfew in place that moved from 8pm to 9pm and is now at 10pm. This was a great jump because initially we were on weekend lockdowns and one couldn’t go out unless you were an essential worker. Recently, some places opened up. There is more freedom but some of the everyday joys that we are used to are not being enjoyed.”
The Bahamas reopened up to tourists on July 1st. Flights from the UK, EU and Canada are permitted. US travellers can also fly there but must provide a negative Covid-19 test that was taken 10 days prior to travel, quarantine for two weeks at their own expense and then be tested, as said in a statement by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert Minnis.
Henry said, “I’m skeptical about our borders being open as we have been adhering to the social distancing protocol, for the most part with the exception of Independence Day weekend (July 10th). There was an incident where the beach was closed for that period and tourists jumped the fence to go to the beach.”
It’s always a good feeling when tourists are excited and would like to visit your country. However, it shouldn’t be a burden to the locals of that nation. It should be interesting how things and how governments monitor a safe transition moving forward.
Henry said, “Although it’s great to have revenue in our country, there are rules and guidelines that we have been following but some tourists blatantly disregard. It’s almost become a decision between protecting the jobs of certain individuals or protecting the health of individuals in this country. It’s a tough position in the eyes of some citizens but I think as long as it can be seen as done in the best interest of our people, I’m fine with that.”
Pure bliss in Elafónisos, Greece. Courtesy: Giorgos Theodorou.
Then a collection of 26 European countries are lifting restrictions and lockdown measures. Greece was one of the first countries to reopen their borders. Forever leaders in the world, let’s all take a moment to remember the Olympics. From Athens, Greece, Giorgos Theodorou, 29, a music artist and working at a brokerage said, “I am happy that I can finally have a sense of normalcy back, even though we are a long way from a full recovery in my point of view. I am happy that I can be around friends, go to the beach and enjoy nightlife - always keeping the safety measures though.”
Typically in August, it’s recognised that Greece and other parts of Europe take a break which allows families and friends to reunite and enjoy the summer. Europe is the place to be.
Giorgos said, “I am really looking forward to travelling to the island of Siphnos in a couple of weeks. It’s one of the things that kept me going (vacation in Greece). Greek airports opened their gates for tourists on the 1st of July for most countries. Greece is a country that depends heavily on the tourism industry. It goes without saying that it needs this influx of tourists but not at the cost of public health safety. If the screening processes are sufficient and most importantly if individuals act responsibly towards this never seen before pandemic, I think it will be worth it for everyone to come visit Greece.”
Meanwhile the United Kingdom and United States have provided travel advice for their nations. This is vitally important because at the moment, passengers travelling to and from the UK have to observe a 14-day quarantine. However, it should be noted that most countries have closed their borders to travellers from the US owing to an uptick in Covid-19 cases.
Data graphic of domestic tourism in the US. Courtesy: Bloomberg.
According to the World Tourism Organization, the pandemic cost $320bn (£248bn) to the global tourism industry in lost revenue between January and May. Therefore, it’s great that steps are being taken for us all to start transitioning from domestic adventures to international travel, granted that you feel safe to do so. Get ready for the future of travel and travel advertising coming your way soon.