ST JOHNS, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), and Antigua Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has announced the tagline ‘Sun Sea Safe’ for the destination’s COVID-19 certification program.
‘Sun Sea Safe’ will feature prominently on an attractive new badge created by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority for tourism sector businesses that have completed the health and safety programme and inspection by the central board of health and the ministry of tourism.
The ‘Sun Sea Safe’ badge prominently displayed by resorts, retail outlets, restaurants and excursions will assure residents and visitors that their health and safety protocols meet the strict government guidelines. In addition to the new tagline, the ABHTA has also produced a “Sun Sea Safe” video featuring members staff showing how they keep everyone safe each day. The video will be available to stream on the ABHTA social media platforms, @antiguahotels and @antiguahoteljobs on Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the ABTA website.
“Here in Antigua and Barbuda we are embracing the idea that the safety procedures our tourism sector has worked so diligently to put into place, will now be the standard for the future,” says Vernon A. Jeffers, Snr, chairman of the ABHTA. “The ‘Sun Sea Safe’ tagline illustrates this beautifully and will become a familiar and expected symbol of the health and safety standards established for our guests and patrons.”
Antigua and Barbuda’s minister of tourism, Charles Fernandez commented: “Sun Sea Safe is our open invitation to travellers to enjoy Antigua and Barbuda’s warmth and hospitality, while importantly connecting with their need for safety. We believe that while wholly relevant today, this message will transcend the current pandemic connotation, and will in the future continue to differentiate our destination in a positive way.”
In addition to the new ‘Sun Sea Safe’ initiative, ABHTA members continue to put their own positive spin on the required guidelines. Galley Bay began welcoming guests back on October 14, and in addition to putting extensive enhanced health and safety protocols in place, the resort developed signage to remind everyone in a light-hearted way to obey all protocols.
According to general manager, Alex de Brito their team wanted to make sure to keep the procedures top-of-mind for guests as they enjoyed their stay without causing protocol fatigue. Instead of telling guests to distance 2-meters, they are reminded that in Antigua social distance is 9½ coconuts apart. Colourful cartoon pineapples are featured handwashing and coconuts filled with refreshments wear face masks while reminding everyone to “be safe for yourself and others.”
As the destination continues their efforts to fully reopen for the Winter Season, 366 tourism businesses have already earned their “Sun Sea Safe” badges.
Tourism businesses that have completed the ministry of tourism and central board of health’s inspections and that are eligible for the ‘Sun Sea Safe’ 2020 certification badge can contact the ministry of tourism on 468 – 4003 and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on 562 – 7600. For more information businesses can also contact the office of the ABHTA abhta@antiguahotels.org or call 462 – 0374/4928.
