A message from the Quintana Roo Tourism Board
THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN IS OPEN FOR TRAVELERS
Mexican Caribbean destinations were among the first in the world to be granted “Safe Travels” Certification from the World Travel & Tourism Council
Cancun, Quintana Roo – June 18, 2020: The destinations of the Mexican Caribbean began to reopen to travelers last week, following a comprehensive preparation initiative to ensure the health and safety of residents and visitors alike. The Mexican Caribbean’s destinations now open include Cancun, Grand Costa Maya (Bacalar, Chetumal, Mahahual), Costa Mujeres, Maya Ka’an, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Tulum), and the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. In close coordination with state and federal health authorities, the highest health and hygiene measures are in effect throughout the destination – from airports to ground transportation, hotels and restaurants. Ongoing health surveillance through temperature screenings and other safety measures at public venues, in addition to strict hygiene protocols, are also in place to ensure visitor safety.
The State government of Quintana Roo has adapted global best practices to implement recommended guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Quintana Roo State Health Services Department (SESA). The destination has also worked closely with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to review its plans for reopening and outline the safety requirements that all companies supporting the travel industry must implement before welcoming visitors. The result of this effort is the “Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification” program that certifies that any business interacting with tourists meets these high standards. So far, more than 5,000 companies, from hotels to tour operators and restaurants, have registered for certification.
As a result, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which recently unveiled its global “Safe Travels” certification for the travel industry, has recognized the Mexican Caribbean’s program as one of the few in the world that meets their global standard. Through these efforts, all travelers to the Mexican Caribbean and its destinations can check with the companies they plan to interact with to see if they have received this certification. The reopening strategy relies on offering visitors the confidence that they can expect with the highest levels of care when it comes to hygiene and the prevention and detection of any infectious disease.
Darío Flota, CEO of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, shared that the reopening strategy is focused on reigniting sustainable, long-term growth, and placing health and safety at the forefront. “We are excited to welcome back visitors to the beautiful destinations of the Mexican Caribbean. Of course, we are committed to re-opening the destination carefully. We have the assurance of leading experts, who have helped us implement the highest safety standards, that our state is ready to reignite tourism.”
Daily health updates
The State of Quintana Roo has also been a leader in transparency regarding the reporting of cases of COVID-19. The state has issued daily reports on the number of confirmed cases, providing information to local citizens, businesses and visitors to enforce hygiene measures and limit the spread of the virus. These efforts have succeeded in maintaining a very low number of total infections in the State. There are 2,735 positive cases of COVID-19 in the State of Quintana Roo since January, a comparatively small total number when considering the situation in many other countries and regions around the world. Since June, the growth rate of cases has decreased in the northern area of Quintana Roo which is home to destinations including Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, among others.
Reopening the northern area for tourism
According to the strategic reopening plan for the State, these conditions permit the reopening of tourism related businesses in this northern area. The proactive efforts by the State government, all residents and the travel industry’s implementation of comprehensive hygiene protocols and public health practices such as physical distancing, regularly washing hands, the availability of hand sanitizer at all public establishments and more, have all contributed to the relatively low levels of COVID-19 in the Mexican Caribbean and its destinations.
Are there travel restrictions for the Riviera Maya?
There are currently zero travel restrictions against visiting the Mexican Caribbean. In fact, many airlines have even maintained regular flights to Cancun during the past few months, due to the demand and the control measures in place to detect and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state’s tourism industry, in coordination with the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, continues to implement its promotional strategy with the confidence that now is the right time to reopen for business. The entity has launched its new campaign: “Mexican Caribbean: The Best of Two Worlds”, which showcases how the Mexican Caribbean offers visitors the things they love about both Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as the diversity of destinations and experiences available for all types of travelers, including families, couples, friends, groups, weddings; or activities like nature and adventure, wellness, shopping, spa, golf, cenotes, diving, among many others.
The Quintana Roo Tourism Board will continue to work with local and national entities to monitor developments following the re-opening of the Mexican Caribbean for you, the visitors, and will implement the necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
Note: Added links were added by our website to give further information to our readers.
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Beaches are still closed. Only few restaurants are open. what a joke!
Too bad this “ad” doesn’t mention that the beaches are still closed, for at least another week. The ad also said that 5th Avenue is starting to open to tourism which is very misleading. The whole street is ripped up and being repaved and they are repairing drainage, electric lines, etc., for 2-4 more months. We need to give an accurate picture of aPlaya so as not to disappoint our tourists.
Yes! Welcome to Playa del Carmen, our arms and hearts are open!
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0xspbbV8YjB9dS03XqmlLrnWg#Playa_del_Carmen_Centro
Seems a bit misleading as it gives the impression of “we are open” but the reality is that we are only starting to open. Beaches and many many normally expected tourist activities remain closed. If a tourist showed up tomorrow they would be surprised and disappointed.
The article is factually incorrect. It states,”The U.S., Canada, and many other countries also have zero travel restrictions or quarantines imposed for visitors returning from the Mexican Caribbean.”
This is not true. Canadians returning to Canada from Mexico must self isolate for two weeks when they return from Mexico or they face a hefty fine or imprisonment.
Thank you Phil. We have removed that line from the message from the tourism board since this is not correct.
I am glad to see things are opening up. I know it has been hard for all the workers there. We stay in touch with people that are at the resort we normally visit. Probably one of the hardest times in the past decade.
I am so looking forward to coming to the Riviera Maya in August! It is a soooo needed vacation. Cannot wait!