Elite Island Resorts, which represents a collection of nine, all-inclusive beachfront properties throughout the Caribbean, is requiring proof of vaccination from all guests aged 12 and older upon check-in. Proof of vaccination does include a Canadian official vaccination receipt, a U.S. CDC vaccination card, a NHS vaccination report, pass, or certificate from the U.K., or a similar official medically or government-recognized document.
Elite Island Resorts also requires a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken before travel, with specific time periods depending on the Caribbean country in which the traveller's specific hotel is located. Guests must bring proof of a negative test to the airport. The hotel group also notes that masks must be worn in some specific public areas.
Elite Island Resorts includes the following hotels in Caribbean: In Antigua: Hammock Cove Antigua, Galley Bay Resort & Spa, St. James's Club & Villas, Pineapple Beach Club, and The Verandah Resort & Spa; St. James's Club Morgan Bay in St. Lucia; The Club Barbados Resort & Spa in Barbados; Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Grenadines; and Los Establos Boutique Inn in Panama.
Specific COVID-19 entry requirements for each country can be found here: Antigua & Barbuda, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenadines, and Panama. Elite Island Resorts asks guests to carefully review each country's entry requirement before visiting.
“Current science tells us that if you’re vaccinated, you are less likely to become seriously ill, or end up taking up a hospital bed in a fragile medical environment, such as the Caribbean, where local resources cannot afford to be overburdened," Elite Island Resorts founder and CEO Robert A. Barrett said in a statement."
"It’s imperative for us to protect the hospitals of these smaller island nations, and while they have had a good track record so far with COVID-19, we must remain vigilant, and all do our part to become part of the solution.”
He continued: “While we understand that news of our vaccine mandate may be disappointing to select travelers, it will be uplifting and encouraging to others. Travel breeds tolerance and with this decision, we don’t seek to divide, because as hoteliers, we bring cultures and people together. Yet, in today’s world, we must consider so many more variables to do that, all while respecting the integrity of these beautiful islands and the people who work in them.
"After weighing all the choices, issues, and concerns, mandating vaccines was the wisest option in protecting the critical tourism industry of these beloved destinations, which are so crucial to the survival of so many employees, and the only way we will be able to keep travel and tourism going strong throughout the fall and winter. People rely on us for work—to support their families and their livelihood—so in making this choice, we work for them, too.”
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