Evolution of Travel: How Destinations are Adapting? | DAVOS AGENDA 2021

TL;DR

How three destinations, Bahamar, Anguilla, and Charleston, are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for tourists.

Transcript

hi everyone this is jackie gifford and i am the editor-in-chief of travel leisure thank you for joining me today we're going to be talking about how three different destinations are coping during the covid19 pandemic joining me are three key stakeholders we have graham davis the president of baja mar kenway herbert the chairman of the anguilla tour... Read More

Key Insights

• 👪 Baja Mar in the Bahamas has prioritized the safety of their associates by paying them to stay home during the closure and implementing extensive testing protocols for guests.
• 🍹 Anguilla has implemented a cautious approach to reopening, including a stay-in-place vacation and a three-step testing protocol, resulting in a safe environment for visitors.
• 👾 Charleston's small businesses and restaurants have shown resilience by adapting to the pandemic, offering gourmet meals to go and transforming spaces for outdoor dining.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has Bahamar coped with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensured the safety of their associates and guests?

Bahamar took the closure as an opportunity to make significant changes in their operations and prioritize the safety of their associates. They have paid their associates to stay home and spent over $70 million on medical benefits and payments during the nine-month closure. They have also collaborated with the government of the Bahamas to implement testing protocols, including testing every guest upon arrival.

Q: What testing protocols has Anguilla implemented for visitors?

Anguilla requires visitors to submit a negative PCR test three to five days prior to arrival. Upon arrival, visitors undergo another PCR test, and on day 10 or day 14 of their stay, they are required to take another test before exiting quarantine. This three-step testing protocol has shown a predictive value rate of 97% in identifying the virus in individuals.

Q: How have small businesses and restaurants in Charleston adapted during the pandemic?

Charleston's small businesses and restaurants have been innovative in finding new ways to serve their customers. They have introduced gourmet meals to go and transformed parking lots into outdoor dining spaces. Enhanced sanitation measures, wearing masks and gloves, have been implemented to ensure safety. They have also used social media to educate visitors about new protocols.

Q: How is Charleston promoting outdoor experiences for visitors during the pandemic?

Charleston has always embraced outdoor living, and this has become even more important during the pandemic. The city is promoting attractions like the International African-American Museum, the new Cypress Gardens, and the upcoming Lowline linear park. Visitors can also combine a visit to downtown Charleston with a trip to the nearby beaches.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Graham Davis, President of Bahamar, discusses the challenges faced by the Bahamas during the pandemic and the measures taken to protect their associates and guests. They have implemented extensive testing protocols, including testing every guest upon arrival, resulting in a low positivity rate of 0.01%.

• Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board, explains Anguilla's cautious approach to reopening, including a stay-in-place vacation for visitors and a three-step testing protocol. They have created a tourism bubble concept that allows guests access to approved amenities and activities while ensuring safety.

• Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, highlights the resilience of Charleston's small businesses and restaurants during the pandemic. They have adapted by offering gourmet meals to go, transforming parking lots into outdoor dining spaces, and implementing advanced sanitation measures.