Tourism minister Denise Charles has tasked taxi operators in Dominica to get COVID-19 vaccination. She said this is the only way to boost their chances for earning more income given the reopening of the cruise sector. She revealed that the government also launched the “Safe in Nature” programme to make tourism safer for international visitors and local workers.
Charles, who is also the minister for international transport and maritime initiatives, said tourism vendors and transportation workers will earn more money with the Safe in Nature initiative. She encouraged tourism vendors and taxi operators to take advantage of the boom in cruise travel to reposition themselves for higher incomes.
According to her, there is a limit on the number of persons that can participate in coast and inland transportation, so interested persons should get vaccinated to increase their chances of acceptability. The minister made it clear that antigen tests only will not be allowed and that people should get fully inoculated to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
As you know, the first outbreak of COVID occurred on a cruise vessel and there are strict regulations by CDC and we also have strict agreements with them that we cannot breach.
Denise Charles, Minister of Tourism
Charles disclosed that 60% of tourism providers have been vaccinated, but other players should get the shots to push the industry towards herd immunity. She also revealed that about 10,000 visitors have come to Dominica via cruise ships following the reopening of the sector, and many of them are requesting for private tours – an opportunity for “combined taxi” workers to up their income.
We were able to get about 71 certified properties who could receive guests and we allow guests of a managed experience. Bookings are up for December and the first quarter of 2022 looks bright and we are beginning to see signs of a rebound…”
Denise Charles, Minister of Tourism
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