RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Cuban Ministry of Tourism announced a new start for tourism in the ongoing coronavirus crisis. According to Juan Carlos García, Minister of Tourism, the Caribbean state government, together with health authorities and the World Health Organization, has developed a plan to this end.
Since March, travel and holidays in Cuba have been banned to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the Covid-19 respiratory disease.
According to García, the resumption of tourist activities is to be implemented in three stages. First, since June 18th, hotels and campsites have been open to Cubans and people living in the country. This applies nationwide, with the exception of the provinces of Havana and Matanzas, where high infection rates are recorded.
With this stage, the developed hygiene measures come into force. Clinical staff will be present in the hotels 24/7, the temperature of employees and holidaymakers will be monitored and the wearing of masks in means of transport will be compulsory.
As of July 1st, Cuba will be open to international tourists. The Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Cruz, and Cayo Santa María islands will be open to tourists. However, holidaymakers must remain on these islands. Excursions may only take place within these islands.
In the third stage, international tourism will be allowed again throughout the country.
“Round trips will again be possible with a maximum number of participants and conditions will be created in hotels to isolate foreign tourists with respiratory symptoms,” according to the Ministry of Tourism.