The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing a Level Four Travel Health Notice for St. Maarten is obviously not good news. The advisory, which also applies to the so-called ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), indicated a very high level of COVID-19, but did add that the risk of getting infected while on holiday may be lower if fully vaccinated.
As known, since January 1 also these passengers must show a recent negative test result when arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), although those who received the booster (third) shot are exempted. Hence, it’s not that the new CDC classification will change already existing entry protocols.
Besides, most potential travellers nowadays are well aware of the ongoing developments surrounding the pandemic and have – including in their own countries – gotten used to related measures like the current island-wide 11:00pm business closure. Upgrading the threat level is not likely to deter too many from escaping the winter weather in North America.
While cruise calls have been moderately affected by the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19, that seems less the case – so far at least – for stayover tourism. The destination can – once again – be thankful with a considerable number of repeat guests who are seemingly savvy enough to judge the situation on the ground and decide for themselves.
The importance of customer loyalty cannot be overemphasised. One way to keep ensuring such is by helping to create a pleasant vacation experience through quality and friendly service.
