How the Dominican Republic is Preparing for Future Tourism after COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world, and stopped tourism globally in an instant. No one could have prepared for travel to be restricted completely as it has been with this crisis. Airlines have grounded their fleets, hotels have closed, and excursions are no longer operating, as everyone is ordered to stay at home. Tourism is one of the hardest hit industries by COVID-19. Millions of people employed in tourism have lost their income until countries allow tourists to visit again.
When Will People be Allowed to Travel Again?
Tourism businesses across the world are anxiously waiting for news as to when clients will be allowed to travel again. Many travelers are eager to get back to doing what they love. Countries are monitoring closely when cases of COVID-19 reduce in order to lift lockdown restrictions. Ultimately, the advice is that there should be a vaccine before life can return to ‘normal’, but this could take up to two years. The reality is many travel companies will not be able to wait this long. We have to accept that life will not return to as it was before, and we all have to adapt to a new ‘normal’. So what does this mean? Let’s take a look at what the Dominican Republic is doing to ease lockdown:
Dominican Republic
A five stage action plan has been released beginning 11 May with all businesses open by 31 August. Reviews will be made at each stage to ensure no spike in COVID-19 Cases.
- Stage One, 11 May – Low risk and priority businesses such as veterinary surgeries, call centers, construction, car dealers, hardware stores, laundries, and courier services
- Stage Two, 1 June – Businesses such as textile sales, salons, spas, lawyers, accountants, furniture stores, and car garages
- Stage Three, 22 June – Shoe and clothes stores, new products, and other domestic products
- Stage Four, 10 August – Travel agencies and tour operators, mobile phone sales, restaurants, cafes, hotels, motels and hostels
- Stage Five, 31 August – Conventions and commercial events, bars and discos, theatres, cinemas, concerts, sports events, commercial centers, public spaces and parks
The current state of emergency is in place until May 17. American Airlines and Delta tentatively have flights available from beginning of June. This may change if border restrictions are extended.
Did you know? Dominican Republic is one of the top 10 searched for destinations in April for vacations in 2020!
Things Will Get Better!
Right now it may be hard to imagine travelling again. However, this crisis will not last forever, and life will get much better, hopefully sooner than we think! Remember that all over the world, communities in tourism are doing everything possible to be ready for new visitors. By making sure that we adapt to the world post COVID-19, we can get back to doing what we love most. Sharing our incredible destinations with you safely, and hopefully avoiding more travel restrictions in the future.
Let us know about your travel plans in our Facebook group. Do you have a trip already planned? We’d love to hear from you!