Tourism will start operating normally from September First in Colombia:
Posted on Aug 28, 2020.
Through a document called 'The ABC of the reactivation of the tourism sector of Colombia', the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism made it clear that, as of September 1st, tourist activities will begin to operate normally, except for those aspects related to bars, discos or events.
The Ministry recalled that any municipality can request the Ministry of the Interior approval to carry out pilot tests in these types of establishments.
Regarding the use of roads in Colombia, the Ministry has made it clear that there are no restrictions. The only order is the use of face masks in all vehicles with more than one occupant.
As for the hotel industry in Colombia, the government gave the green light to its reactivation as a sector, as long as the accommodation establishments provide guarantees in compliance with biosafety regulations.
“The restrictions that they will face are those of agglomeration, occupancy levels and others that the specific protocol of hotels, hostels, aparthotels, holiday centers, etc. has. The pedagogical work done by the hotel sector is very important to make clear to its guests the way in which they should conduct their accommodation activity ”, the document states.
However, there are several doubts that still remain regarding tourism. Will you be able to travel with more people? Will the terminals and airports operate? Will you get accommodation? Will beaches and natural parks be able to open? Solve these and other concerns below.
Will you be able to travel as a family by road from the first of September?
Yes. As of September 1, it is allowed to travel for tourist activities. There are no inter-municipal or air transport restrictions. The Government recommends that when more than one person is in the vehicle, all occupants wear face masks.
Will the ground transportation terminals and airports be open?
Bus terminals and airports will be open, and biosafety protocols must be complied with.
Is national air transport reactivated?
Yes. But this does not mean that as of September 1st there will be the same routes and frequencies as in January. It will be progressive because there will not be the same demand. The first phase of domestic air connectivity enters into force, which defines 16 airports, including Bogotá, Rionegro, Medellín, Cali, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Pereira.
How will you deal with crowds in spaces such as swimming pools, restaurants in closed spaces of the hotel?
As of September 1, you will be able to go to the hotels, but, of course, you must comply with the biosafety protocols that they already have. There is a very important element and it is to guarantee social distancing and self-care procedures, such as wearing a mask and washing hands. Both tourists and tourism entrepreneurs must comply with biosecurity protocols.
What measures should be taken into account in hotels?
The restrictions that will be faced are those of agglomeration, occupancy levels and others that the specific protocol of hotels, hostels, aparthotels, holiday centers, etc. has. The pedagogical work carried out by the hotel sector is very important to make clear to its guests the way in which they should conduct their accommodation activity.
Will groups or excursions be able to travel?
Yes, always keeping the protocols in mind.
It should be remembered that as long as the biosecurity protocols are complied with, tourist activities are allowed, unless there is a restriction in a municipality with a high incidence of covid-19. This restriction must be requested by the territorial entity and previously approved by the Ministry of the Interior.
What about the beaches?
As of September 1, this activity can be carried out. We will have to be cautious in prevention measures and in what the decree says: responsible individual distancing. The Ministry of Health is developing a protocol for the beaches, which will have to be followed by visitors.
Can natural parks work?
Yes, from September 1st, natural parks can be opened as long as they respect the biosecurity measures contained in Resolution 1421 of 2020. It is clarified that the development of activities that involve social, public or private events that involve crowds is not allowed.
Can theme and / or amusement parks work?
Yes, from September 1st, amusement parks can be opened as long as they respect the biosecurity measures contained in Resolution 1421 of 2020.
What about international flights?
Aeronautics sent a request with its arguments to lift the suspension of international flights and the Ministry of Health gave a free pass to resume them. It is a first phase.
However, an international flight does not only depend on Colombia. Aeronautics is in conversation with its counterparts in other countries. Then the airlines will enter to bid.
Can fairs and events be held?
Fairs and events with crowds are prohibited. The pilot of business fairs is allowed, complying with the security protocols and at the request of the mayor to the Ministry of the Interior.
Will food courts and restaurants open?
Food squares and restaurants are opened in municipalities without affectation, low affectation and moderate affectation, in the municipalities with high affectation the local authority could restrict them. Biosafety protocols must be complied with.
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