August 27th 2020- The Dominica Hotel and tourism association has joined in the efforts to have a travel advisory, issued by the US embassy in Barbados, asking citizens to “reconsider travel”.
The advisory cited concerns over health and safety measures related to COVID-19, and urged caution due to civil unrest. It is the view of the DHTA that the advisory is outdated and does not reflect the true state of affairs in Dominica. It fails to take into account the successful containment of the spread of the Coronavirus mainly due to the efforts of a well-coordinated Primary Health Care system.
Through the foresight of the Government and diligence of private sector stakeholders, specific travel protocols have been developed and launched. Tourism authorities have also certified several accommodations as well as taxi operators and other tourism service providers. Service providers have gone through rigorous training and are strictly adhering to guidelines that promote clean and safe service delivery.
The association believes that the work done to contain the virus in Dominica should be acknowledged and touted as an example of good practice. If the advisory remains in effect it will continue to have an adverse effect on our tourism economy and the livelihoods that are dependent on it.
Ambassador Linda S. Taglialatela
Ambassador to Barbados and the OECS
US Embassy of Barbados
Bridgetown Barbados
Dear Ambassador Linda S. Taglialatela,
Re: US Travel Advisory on Dominica
The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) wishes to formally express concern over a Travel Advisory issued by the United States Department of State on August 6, 2020 for Dominica.
The advisory cited concerns over health and safety measures related to COVID-19, and urged caution due to civil unrest. It is the view of the DHTA that the advisory is outdated and does not reflect the true state of affairs in Dominica. It fails to take into account the successful containment of the spread of the Coronavirus mainly due to the efforts of a well-coordinated Primary Health Care system.
Certainly, there are no riots and civil unrest within the island. On the contrary, the island which relies heavily on the tourism economy is ready to welcome visitors to its shores. Like many countries reopening its borders, Dominica did the same after more than 100 days of no active cases reported. Yet, we recognize that we do not live in a bubble and there is a risk of resurgence.
Through the foresight of the Government and diligence of private sector stakeholders, specific travel protocols were developed and launched. Tourism authorities have also certified several accommodations as well as taxi operators and other tourism service providers. Service providers have gone through rigorous training and are strictly adhering to guidelines that promote clean and safe service delivery.
TOURISM. OUR WY OF LIFE.
As much as possible, we want to preserve these achievements and rebuild our economy in a health conscious way. The advisory compromises those very aims and will continue to have an adverse effect on our tourism economy and the livelihoods that are dependent on it.
The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association respectfully requests an update of travel advisories related to Dominica to more accurately reflect facts on the ground. In fact, we believe that the work done to contain the virus in Dominica should be acknowledged and touted as an example of good practice.
We look forward to a favourable review of this matter.
_____________________________
Mr. Hans Schilders
President
Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association
