TORONTO — The Bahamas is set to enter Phase 3 of its Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, with beaches and major hotels reopening on all islands.

Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar recently announced new details about Phase 3, which will commence Oct. 15. In addition to beaches and hotels, Phase 3 will also see the reopening of attractions, excursions and tours on Nov. 1.

Ahead of the reopening, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is working with airline partners to secure direct airlift from key markets where the curve of COVID-19 has been flattened. Additionally, the Ministry’s communication team is prepared to commence a marketing campaign that leans into current travel trends, including vacations closer to home, enhanced seclusion and outdoor pursuits.

As part of Phase 3, all hotel guests must also abide by a 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP) Experience, which will allow them to access all amenities including hotel spas, gyms, bars and more.

Following the safe transition into Phase 3, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies, will recommend an appropriate date to enter Phase 4, which will include the reopening of vendors, select attractions, casinos, cruises and ferries.

On the importance of tourism, the Ministry said the following in an official release:

“Since 1950, tourism has played an integral role in The Bahamas’ economy, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s GDP and 60% of national employment. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on global tourism and The Bahamas’ economy has felt the impact, particularly following 2019’s record-breaking tourism numbers where the country welcomed 7.2 million visitors.”

In July, The Bahamas announced a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all foreign visitors upon entry as a way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Since Sept. 1, new entry requirements have been put in place including:

• An approved Bahamas Health Visa available at gov.bs
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five days prior to arrival (children under 10 and pilots/crew who remain overnight in The Bahamas are exempt)
• Mandatory 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP) Experience at a hotel, private club or rented accommodations such as an Airbnb, as well as on a private boat

For more information and to review new entry requirements, go to Bahamas.com/travelupdates.