So, while the monthly arrivals are encouraging, the stakeholders in the tourism industry are insisting that the COVID restrictions, which have been gradually relaxed, continue to impact the country's tourism product.
This morning, the Tourism Ministry's CEO said that there are is a persistent requests for the curfew to start at midnight, or for it to be lifted completely:
Nicole Solano - CEO, Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Relations "That is definitely. It is something that we have been in constant communication with the Ministry of Health on, trying to ask for them to consider relaxing some of those measures. We do understand that it is impossible to just completely remove those measures because we're still in a time when COVID is a concern. We haven't fully received the vaccinations, and we don't know if there could be another wave. So, it does impact the tourist experience, and so, we have to be aware of that, and I think the tourism industry, in particular, all of our hotels, tour operators, they're conscious of that, and they do not want to see measures imposed upon. They want to see restrictions relaxed. So, I think that they understand the importance of being responsible, acting responsibly, and making sure that their guests follow the protocols."
Reporter "Is there any specific restriction that maybe they would want a little more relaxation on? Have they communicated any of those to the Ministry?"
Nicole Solano "Yes, several, actually. The curfew is an issue. Right now, it's still 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. So, of course, the tourism industry would like to see the curfew removed completely, but I think they're asking for consideration for at least a midnight [curfew], which I think the Minister of Health, I heard him say that the 15th of April is when they're going to reconsider what happens depending on the effects of Easter, which I think is fair. And I think also, the tourism industry recognizes that that is what we need to do. Hopefully, come April 15th, we can see either complete removal of the curfew, or further relaxation to midnight. There's also the matter of outdoor restaurants currently having to operate at 50% capacity. I know that our outdoor restaurants want to be able to increase their capacity. Indoor restaurants also want to operate. So, that is another issue. Transportation wants to operate at 100%. So, those are the main things. Bars are still not allowed to be opened. So, all of these things impact the tourism industry."
