The Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, which were introduced several months prior to the reopening of the resorts across the region, have been a tremendous success to date.
Sandals Grande Antigua was the first resort to reopen on June 4, followed by the reopening of resorts in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Saint Lucia, all of which to date have reported zero cases of coronavirus incidents for both guests and team members; a testament to the foresight and strength of the safety measures which have been adopted.
According to Sandals Chairman, the Hon. Mr Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart OJ, CD, Hon LLD, this is not only encouraging news for guests travelling to Sandals in the future but also for the tourism sector as a whole.
“This is a strong message and excellent news for the industry, as we work toward getting the vital tourism sector back up and running in the Caribbean. I applaud the tremendous work that went into ensuring that we deliver the very best in terms of safety for both our guests and our team members, while at the same time ensuring we protect the safety of all nationals in the territories where we operate.”
The Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness were established in collaboration with both local and international health agencies including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and cover a myriad of touchpoints from arrival to departure.
The Sandals Chairman noted that it was critical that tourism stakeholders find ways to innovate and adapt in the new normal that exists today.
He added, “I believe all stakeholders must do what is necessary to help revive the tourism sector so that the entire community – from farmers, tour operators, taxi drivers and service providers, to all those who depend on it are able to earn and take care of themselves and their families. We are proud that Sandals is once more helping to lead the way to recovery.”
Managing Director of Sandals Saint Lucia Winston Anderson said, “One of the key reasons behind the successful implementation of the safety protocols is the cooperation demonstrated by guests in adhering to the safety measures.”
He also noted that while nine per cent of the guests who have travelled to Sandals come from the United States, the fact is those who travel take the utmost precaution to ensure they are healthy.
“You must understand that no one from the United States will leave the highest standard of health care and superior facilities in their own country if they have not made sure they are in good health. Most US citizens would not run the risk of having to seek medical attention outside of the United States, so you find that most of the guests who come here have ensured they are not only negative for COVID-19, but in very good health,” Anderson said.
Plans are underway to eventually reopen Sandals Barbados, Sandals Regency La Toc in Saint Lucia as well as Beaches Turks and Caicos.
