Leading Caribbean All-Inclusive Travel Group Requires All Guests to be Vaccinated

On arrival, visitors to a leading Caribbean all-inclusive travel company with nine hotels will be required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination.

For all visitors over the age of 12, Elite Island Resorts will implement the requirement on 1st September at resorts in Antigua, St. Lucia, The Grenadines, Barbados, and Panama.

The move came when cruise guests visiting the Bahamas, including the lines’ own islands, were notified that starting 3rd September, they would have to be fully jabbed.

On Thursday, Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis issued an emergency order to cruise lines, which will last until 1st November.

Before landing in port, ships will be required to file a manifest detailing the vaccination status of all passengers and crew members.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Hammock Cove, St. James’s Club & Villas, Pineapple Beach Club, and The Verandah Resort are among Elite Islands Resorts’ five Antigua resorts; St. James’s Club Morgan Bay in St Lucia, The Club Barbados, Palm Island, The Grenadines, and Los Establos Boutique Inn in Panama.

Robert Barrett, the CEO of Elite Islands, said: “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.

“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.”

“While we appreciate that news of our vaccine obligation may be discouraging to some travelers, we believe it will be inspiring and encouraging to others,” he continued.

“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 sustain their families and their way of life – so by making this decision, we are also working for them.”