BHTA seeking resolution on Government’s proposed payment for extended accommodation costs

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is continuing talks with tourism authorities on Government’s decision to pay the cost of accommodation for persons in quarantine awaiting COVID-19 test results beyond 72 hours.

Chairman of the BHTA Geoffrey Roach said clarity is needed as tourists and Barbadian nationals returning home are seeking answers as they seek to settle room charges.

Below is the full text of statement:

Government’s decision to cover the cost of accommodation for persons in quarantine awaiting COVID-19 test results beyond 72 hours was shared with the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), at the level of the CEO and the Chairman, just prior to the press conference on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

Following the announcement, the Association sought clarity on the process that would pertain to effect such, as we believe this is critical. This consultation with government, as well as discussions with our members, continues as the matter is worked on.

We, however, are anxious for these talks to be concluded and a resolution reached as it has had a huge impact on our accommodation members. Many of their guests, who have been impacted by delayed test results, have already sought to have confirmation on the settlement of their room charges. This not only applies to visitors to Barbados but equally to Barbadians who have returned to the island and have to quarantine.

This crisis has been stressful in many ways and not having the ability to provide guidance to guests on this matter has only added another layer of stress for our members and their teams and so, we hope to have the process settled as quickly as possible.

The delays have also placed a number of the smaller hotels under pressure as their guests who would have booked alternative accommodation, having anticipated to be out of quarantine based on the stated turnaround time for test results, now have to be housed for longer periods. This leads to planned arrivals not being able to be accommodated.

Government has indicated that they are moving to resolve the issue of the delay in turning around test results. We believe strongly that the ability to conduct and communicate test results in the prescribed time is the solution that is needed. Once this can be achieved, many of these issues will be solved.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association recognizes that the sudden surge on the health system presented some challenges and again express our willingness to lend assistance in any way that we possibly can.

Geoffrey Roach,

Chairman – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.