Belize introduces Gold Standard Recognition Program for Tourism
The BTB’s Gold Standard Recognition Program
As Belize’s tourism industry prepares to re-open for tourism, the health and safety of the country is more important than ever to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 in Belize. To meet the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by COVID-19, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is launching its Gold Standard Recognition Program for hotels alongside the country’s national tourism guidelines.
These new protocols are focused on enhanced hotel & restaurant cleaning practices, social interactions, workplace policies and standard operating procedures, while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience. Furthermore, the 9-Point Program will enhance tourism industry health and safety standards by adapting new behaviours and procedures to ensure both travellers and employees are confident in the cleanliness and safety of Belize’s hotels and restaurants. Properties will go through a declaration process in order achieve “Tourism Gold Standard Recognition” and will be rewarded with certificates issued by The Belize Tourism Board for visible placement in their lobbies as well as for use in their marketing messages going forward.
An abridged summary of Belize’s 9 Point Checklist
for all Tourism Stakeholders:
Appointing a“Gold Standard Program Manager” to implement protocols and ensure compliance
Monitoring & reporting with temperature checks and health monitoring
Practicing social distancing with both workers and visitors
Implementing an enhanced cleaning & sanitisation procedures; increased disinfection of common areas, face masks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, visitors, and guests
Creating a rapid and clear response Plan to manage suspected Covid-19 cases
Establishing clear & consistent communication for consistent, frequent communication with employees and guests relating to the protocols and their impact
Maximising access to sanitisation stations across the property
Introducing digital technologies for transactions, check-in/out, online ordering, ticketing, etc. to reduce physical interactions
Training workers to ensure they are prepared to manage and implement the new protocols based on their role
Details of the Gold Standard Recognition Program for overnight tourism can be found within the official protocols released by The Belize Tourism Board. Read More Here.
