The West Indies cricket team might be teaching England how to play cricket, but back in the Caribbean one tourism department is encouraging Brits to go there on their Antigua holidays.
With Antigua on the list of countries where UK citizens no longer need to quarantine upon their return home, Travel Begins at 40 chats with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority about why we should visit these wonderful Caribbean islands and what to expect when we get there.
What measures have you taken to insure the health and safety of visitors?
Antigua is continually reassessing its protocols to ensure the safety of both visitors and nationals alike. Please see the updated protocols below:
- All arriving passengers by air must have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) taken within seven (7) days of their flight (this includes transiting passengers).
- Passengers arriving by sea (private yachts/Ferry Services) are subject to quarantine according to guidelines issued by Port Health.
- All arriving passengers must wear a face mask on disembarkation and in all public areas. Additionally, the wearing of face masks in public spaces is mandatory throughout Antigua and Barbuda and social/physical distancing protocols must be adhered to.
- All arriving passengers must complete a Health Declaration Form and will be subjected to screening and temperature checks by Port Health Authorities upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.
- All arriving passengers will be monitored for COVID-19 for periods of up to 14 days in accordance with the directions of the Quarantine Authority and the Quarantine (COVID-19) Guidelines. Visitors may be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 on arrival or at the hotel or place of lodging as determined by the Health Authorities.
- Arriving passengers with symptoms of COVID 19 may be isolated as determined by the Health Authorities.
- Transiting passengers/Crew members who require an overnight stay will be required to proceed to a hotel or government designated facility to await departure.
- All Marine Pleasure Craft and Ferry Services will enter ONLY at the Nevis Street Pier.
Why do you think 40+ travellers should visit your destination?
Antigua is the perfect destination for 40+ travellers. Offering tranquil, relaxing breaks it provides an ideal holiday location for those looking for peace and space. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors. Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages.
What would you say to people who are unsure of the welcome they may receive on their Antigua holidays?
Antigua has recently launched a new campaign Your Space in the Sun in keeping with the new needs of travellers. Travellers have expressed that their top priorities moving forward are health and space, and Antigua strives to accomplish this for all travellers. This new contemporary and enticing campaign is simple in its message, designed to specifically speak to the new desires and needs of travellers.
When do you think tourism levels will pick up to pre-COVID19 level?
As Antigua was included on the UK government’s quarantine exemption list, the islands are looking forward to welcoming back British tourists soon. The first scheduled flight is due to arrive in August. Antigua is excited to welcome back UK tourists.
Do you feel the word of travel has changed forever?
Similarly to the whole world, the travel industry is adapting to this new normal. What Antigua is seeing from travellers is that health, space and family are the key priorities moving forward in the post-COVID-19 era. With the new Space in the Sun campaign, Antigua looks to fulfil these new priorities for travellers and will consistently adapt to the needs and desires of travellers.
For more information on your Antigua holidays
Visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.