U.S. Virgin Islands Welcomes Visitors Back With Extensive Safety Protocols.

 The beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands awaits leisure travelers.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS The U.S. Virgin Islands reopened its doors to leisure travelers on June 1st

Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte declared that the Territory is finalizing public health and tourism protocols for the return of visitors to “America’s paradise” in less than a week’s time.

Commissioner Boschulte reported that as new protocols, developed with input from the Office of the Governor, tourism and health authorities, and the private sector, are rolled out, a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will remain in effect through July 11, 2020.

" We have been building COVID-19 mitigation and response capacity, and preparing protocols to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors alike,” said Commissioner Boschulte, who explained that the decision to reopen has not been made lightly. “We did not want to rush to reopen in reaction to what other destinations are doing. Instead, we have engaged in data-driven, risk-based analysis, in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Department of Health and federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other stakeholders.”

 The Department of Tourism has prepared “Health and Safety Guidelines for the USVI Tourism Industry”, a comprehensive master document that provides specific guidance to all tourism stakeholders. “The response and collaboration of various departments and agencies are to be commended,” Commissioner Boschulte said, noting that the document will be frequently updated to reflect anticipated guidance updates.

The Commissioner asserted that the reopening is a partnership that requires everyone to have both a personal and professional responsibility to reduce the spread of the new virus. “We are very pleased with the across-the-board approach so that key tourism sub sectors now have specific guidelines,” he added. He stated that the new health and safety protocols, along with the commitment of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, would assure visitors that the Territory’s decision to open its doors next week is the right one.

Guidance includes procedures for operating reception and concierge facilities; cleaning and housekeeping; managing dining rooms; and providing technical and maintenance services. There is also specific sub sector guidance for taxi, van, safari and limo services, restaurants and bars, and accommodations.

Commissioner Boschulte stated that interest in travel to the destination was very strong: “Throughout the pandemic, we were greatly encouraged by the outpouring of support and expressions of desire from friends around the world to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even though COVID-19 caused us to temporarily close our doors, our hearts remained open. We now look forward to welcoming travelers back to their home away from home.”

For further information, visit www.usviupdate.com or www.visitusvi.com.

About the U.S. Virgin Islands
For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter @usvitourism, and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

Travelore News: Nevada Betting On Health Safety As Las Vegas Casinos Reopened June 5th.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — After 78 days of historic quiet, cards will be cut, dice will roll and jackpots can jingle again 12:01 a.m. starting Thursday June 5th at casinos in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.

There will be big splashes — even amid ongoing protests over the death of a man in police custody in Minnesota — and big hopes for recovery from an unprecedented and expensive shutdown prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“There’s a tremendous amount on the line, not only for casinos, but for the community and the state,” said Alan Feldman, a longtime casino executive now a fellow at the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “This is an extremely important moment.

Casino resorts that had been famously always open were shuttered in mid-March — idling Nevada’s key tourism and hospitality industry nearly 89 years to the day since gambling was legalized in 1931. Gov. Steve Sisolak’s emergency order closed non-essential businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Now, property owners, state regulators and Sisolak, a Democrat who has been criticized for the closure, are balancing those concerns against the loss of billions of dollars a month in gambling revenue and almost half a million unemployed workers.

They are betting that safety measures — disinfected dice; hand sanitizer and face masks everywhere; limited numbers of players at tables; temperature checks at entrances to some resorts; touchless cellphone check-ins — will lure tourists back.

They know it will look different.

“I’m optimistic that customers will see that gaming properties invested time and effort to welcome them back to a safe and entertaining environment,” state Gaming Control Board chief Sandra Douglass Morgan said Wednesday.

The regulatory board required detailed health safety plans by last week, before giving the go-ahead to reopen.

Morgan didn’t specify if any plans were rejected, saying agents “communicated concerns or asked for clarification” from an unspecified number of the state’s 459 licensed casinos. The board also regulates nearly 2,000 bars, restaurants and convenience stores that have no more than 15 slot machines.

It won’t quite be business as usual when the iconic Bellagio fountains dance back to life at dawn Thursday. Analysts like Feldman think it will take a long time to recover.

“This is going to be a pretty long, slow climb,” said Feldman, who was with MGM Resorts when Las Vegas experienced an abrupt air travel stop after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, and later a crippling plunge in business during the Great Recession over a decade ago.

Recovery took years — reaching best-ever numbers last January and February: taxable casino winnings at $1 billion each month; unemployment at an all-time low of 3.6%.

By April, casino winnings were a fraction of 1% of a year earlier, and unemployment reached 28.2%, topping figures in any state even during the Great Depression.

“I’m hopeful it is a consistent climb, without setbacks,” Feldman added, “better than a surge and then a setback.”

UBS gaming analyst Robin Farley noted for investors that the biggest casino operators, MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, won’t immediately open all their properties.

Wynn Resorts, the Venetian and Palazzo are slated to open Thursday morning, along with the landmark STRAT casino and tower, Derek Stevens’ downtown properties and others around Las Vegas owned by Boyd Gaming and Red Rock Resorts.

Station Casinos properties are using slot machine icons with customer advisories to “Touch buttons. Not faces, and “Stay Reel Healthy.”

The first visitors are expected to be area residents, then motorists from nearby U.S. states and then air travelers.

“The market still relies heavily on air traffic, and the longer stays in Vegas are usually tied to mass social gatherings, including conventions ... concerts and fights, all of which may take longer to recover,” Farley said.

The message will be, “Thank you for coming and believing and trusting us. We’re excited to have you here,′ ” MGM Resorts International chief executive Bill Hornbuckle said during a recent walk-through of the Bellagio casino floor.

Plastic partitions will separate mask-wearing dealers and three players at blackjack tables. Employees and guests will be able to use newly installed handwashing stations.

Convention halls, nightclubs, swimming pool parties and arena spectacles will remain mostly dark.

“It may be a little different,” Hornbuckle said. “But I think it will be memorable, personable and special.”

Velas Resorts Implements Comprehensive ‘Stay Safe With Velas’ Program

 

Fifteen Page Safety Protocol Details Procedures for Guests, Facilities and Staff

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  – Velas Resorts in Mexico launches an extensive ‘Stay Safe with Velas’ program. Detailed in 15 pages, the program covers seven categories including general health and sanitary measures, special protocols for guests and staff members, public areas, housekeeping, transportation and security, and food and beverage. It adheres to standards dictated by the World Health Organization and the government of Mexico.

 

“We are committed to putting the health and well-being of guests and staff members first,” said Eduardo Vela Ruiz, President and Founder of Velas Resorts. “Each of our luxury resorts will now feature a plethora of post-COVID-19 hygiene protocols, high efficiency sanitization and other advanced cleaning measures.”

 

Highlighted below are various health and sanitary initiatives broken down in their respective categories from the program:

 

GENERAL HEALTH AND SANITARY MEASURES:

• All resorts will increase cleaning frequency in commons areas, with special attention to surfaces such as entrance doors, tables, elevators, seating areas, and more;

• All resorts will be cleaned with chemicals authorized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency);

• Touchless hand sanitizing dispensers will be put at various high-contact points at the resorts, including the main lobby, staff and suppliers entrance, pool area, restaurants and bars, Teens’ Clubs, gyms, and Convention Centers;

• Sanitizing mats will be placed in the following areas: Lobby entrance, pick-up and drop-off areas, Kids’ Clubs, Teens’ Clubs, Spas, and restaurants;

• Physical distancing measures will be enforced with guests and staff members, following the World Health Organization’s recommendations to keep at least 6 ft. distance apart;

FOR STAFF MEMBERS:

• Special COVID-19 training will be provided for all staff, focusing on safety and hygiene protocols outlined in the program;

• Physical distancing of at least 6 ft.;

• All staff members, before and after their work day, will be required to pass through a sanitizing booth with a high-efficiency steam system and an infrared sensor, which is highly effective in sanitizing people and objects;

• ​​​​​​​Staff members’ temperatures will be checked when boarding the resort’s staff bus and upon their arrival at the resort;​​​​​​​

• Hand washing from all staff members will be required on an hourly basis for a period of 20 seconds or less, or when they are in contact with a group of people;

• All staff will receive personal protection kits and equipment, including face masks and transparent materials in areas of direct and indirect contact with guests;

FOR GUESTS:

• Every guest will receive the ‘Stay Safe with Velas’ program, highlighting all security and hygiene protocols;

• Body temperatures will be taken from each guest;

• Guests will be asked to use a sanitizing mat, to wash their hands, and use hand sanitizer frequently;

• Guests’ luggage will be sanitized upon arrival;

• Upon departure, guests will receive a sanitary kit, including gloves, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a face mask;

PUBLIC AREAS:

• All resorts will increase the cleaning frequency of common areas, with special attention to surfaces with the most contact, such as gaming areas, lobby, guest elevators, handrails, tables and desks, benches, armchairs and/or waiting rooms, and garbage bins.

• ​​​​​​​Pools will be cleaned daily, and thoroughly again at the end of the day, as well as sun loungers and their linings and cabanas after each guest’s use;

HOUSEKEEPING:

• All housekeeping equipment will be sanitized at the beginning and end of every shift, including maid trolleys, suite service tables, and trays;

• All floors, walls, curtains, rugs, armchairs, desks, remote controls, telephones, mirrors, doors, and other high-touch points will be sanitized in each suite with steam injection, and air conditioning systems will be sanitized with UV light;

• All products in the minibar will be replaced by sanitized products at the end of each guest’s stay;

• Printed materials in each suite will be replaced for each guest or will be protected with a washable material, allowing it be sanitized easily after each guest;

• All amenities will be removed after each guest’s departure, regardless whether they used them or not;

TRANSPORTATION & SECURITY:

• All vehicles at the resorts will be sanitized with steam after each use;

• Every trip to and from the resort will be made without a co-pilot and with a maximum of 5 passengers, including the driver;

FOOD AND BEVERAGE:

• All serving staff members must wear a face mask at all times;

• Crockery must be washed and sanitized after each use, as well as other high-touch points such as tables, chairs, napkins, trays, service bars, check holders, and pens;

• Menus will be made available on each guest’s personal devices to eliminate the need for printed menus;

• Suite service will be delivered at the door, and all meals will be protected with a plastic film or a food cover;

 

The full Stay Safe with Velas program can be found here.

 

For more information about the program and to learn more about Velas Resorts, please visit www.velasresorts.com.

 

About Velas Resorts:

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 56 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for services and facilities include Virtuoso’s Best Family Program, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for spa, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and beach club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, opened in December 2018 as its only European Plan offering. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.