Colombia reopens its tourism industry

Colombia has begun a new stage in the quarantine for Covid-19 that it has called ‘selective isolation’, which allows the gradual return of tourist activity to economic activity.

After five months of closure, the country resumes its tourism activity starting today. The only restricted activities are bars, discos, events and the consumption of alcohol in public spaces or in commercial establishments.

There are no inter-municipal or air transport restrictions. Bus terminals and airports will be open, and biosafety protocols must be complied with. It is important to note that the country will not have the same number of flights that it had before the health crisis. Today the first phase of domestic air connectivity comes into effect, which defines 16 airports, including Bogotá, Rionegro, Medellín, Cali, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Pereira.

Today hotels are also enabled, but, of course, they must comply with the biosecurity protocols that they have. There is a very important element and it is to guarantee social distancing and self-care procedures, such as wearing a mask and washing hands.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection is preparing the final version of the swimming pool protocol, which will specify the capacity and measures for this case.

The Ministry of Health is developing a protocol for beaches and citizen behavior in public spaces.

Additionally, natural parks, theme parks and amusement parks have been enabled but always respecting sanitary regulations.

Regarding international connectivity, Aeronautics sent a request with its arguments to lift the suspension of international flights and the Ministry of Health gave a free pass to resume them.
However, an international flight does not only depend on Colombia. The authorities are in conversation with their counterparts in other countries. Then the airlines will enter to bid.