Belize officially reopens international airport for leisure travel

Belize officially reopened the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) welcoming leisure travel for international visitors, with only approved hotels and tour operators. The decision to reopen the international airport, which was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in late March, as well as the launch of Phase 3 of the destination's five-phase Travel Reopening Plan, was made in conjunction with the Prime Minister of Belize, the Rt. Hon. Dean O. Barrow.

Travelers who wish to visit Belize in 2020-2021 can choose from a new program of direct flights throughout the year offered by American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines. Beginning October 1, Belize will receive direct flights from Miami (through American Airlines) and Houston (through United Airlines). Similarly, Delta Airlines, a longtime partner of BZE, will resume air travel on November 20 with direct service from Atlanta. The restoration of direct flight service allows visitors to reach Belize in approximately three hours or less and is an important milestone in the gradual reopening of the country.

In this initial phase of reopening for international visits, Belize's safe corridor will include hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that have achieved the destination's "Tourism Gold Standard" recognition. This 9-point program seeks to improve the health and safety standards of the tourism industry by adapting new behaviors and procedures to ensure that both employees and travelers have confidence in the cleanliness and safety of Belize's tourism product. Companies that meet the requirements of the Tourism Gold Standard Program are certified and promoted for having implemented these enhanced measures with a Gold Standard Seal of Approval. This seal certifies industry stakeholders that they have adopted security protocols and will be visible to all guests where practical, such as tour operator vehicles and vessels, hotel lobbies, main entry gates, etc.

"We are confident that the Gold Standard Tourism Recognition Program and the Gold Standard Seal of Approval will enable travelers and the tourism industry to operate safely as COVID-19 restrictions are eased," said the Director of BTB Tourism, Karen Bevans. "While visitors will be required to adhere to our" new normal "entry requirements and security protocols, their experience will remain authentic to the adventurous spirit of Belize."

Hotels with gold standard certification
As the Belize Tourism Board continues to process applications, inspect, and approve new properties, visitors are encouraged to visit https://belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/gold-standard-approved/ to view approved properties. Travelers are encouraged to check the site frequently for updates as new properties are added daily.

Hotels approved to open within the safe corridor:

• Have achieved the Gold Standard Tourism Recognition Program and received approval to reopen
• They can provide full service to guests. This means that these properties can provide all the amenities, including round-trip transportation from the airport, access to an on-property restaurant, a pool and / or beachfront, offering on-site activities, and providing tours. isolated.
• In addition to the above, these properties will also implement:

Social distancing and use of masks in public spaces
Online check-in / check-out, contactless payment systems and automated ordering / booking
Hand sanitizing stations throughout the property
Better room cleaning and improved sanitation of public spaces and high-touch surfaces
Daily health checks for guests and employees
Designated "Isolation / Quarantine Rooms" for Suspected COVID-19 Cases and Action Plans

Tour operators certified by Gold Standard
As with Gold Standard hotels, visitors are encouraged to review the current list of approved operators at https://belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/tourism-gold-standard-tour-operators/. Travelers are encouraged to check the site frequently for updates as new carriers are added daily. Gold Standard Operators:

• Have a "Gold Standard Program Manager" that implements protocols and ensures compliance
• Conduct non-invasive temperature checks when picking up guests
• Ensure social distancing protocols for workers and visitors during tours.
• Provide improved cleaning and sanitation procedures for tourist equipment.
• Have a response plan for suspected cases and a training plan for employees to ensure readiness to administer new protocols.