GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND GETS READY TO WELCOME VISITORS ON OCT. 15
VIVA WYNDHAM FORTUNA RESORT OFFERING HOT DEALS AND BIG SAVINGS
Oct 13, 2020
Grand Bahama Island welcomes travelers on Oct. 15 Photo Credit @VisitGBI
After a phased opening in July, the Government of The Bahamas closed the islands’ borders in response to a rise in Covid-19 cases, to bring the infection rate under control and protect the health of locals and visitors. Beginning October 15th, Grand Bahama Island will enter Phase 3 of The Bahamas’ Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan, ahead of the busy holiday season. Beaches and major hotels will reopen across the island, with a 14-day (or length of stay) “Vacation in Place” (VIP) for all guests through October 31st. “Vacation in Place” (VIP) means that guests must remain on the hotel property, where all amenities, including hotel spas, gyms, bars, and more will be accessible. On November 1st, The Bahamas will remove the mandatory “VIP” requirement for all visitors, returning citizens and residents, which will allow everyone to explore and enjoy the island. Attractions, excursions, and tours are also set to reopen on November 1st as part of the Phase 3 plan.
As a special welcome back to visitors, the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Resort, scheduled to reopen on November 1st, 2020, is offering a HOT DEAL to book in advance and save up to 45% off. The Bahama Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) launched its new ‘Micro-Deposits for Micro-Cations’ offer, allowing travelers the opportunity to book future sailings to Grand Bahama Island or Nassau for early 2021 with just a US$25 deposit per person. Travelers who take advantage of this offer will enjoy a host of perks, including 10 free drinks, a US$50 onboard credit, free WiFi, and kids sail free.
Additionally, a variety of establishments on Grand Bahama Island are fully operational and eagerly awaiting visitors in order to display their special brand of island hospitality. Sabor Bahamas and Out Da Sea Bar & Grill are among the favorites! Flying Fish Restaurant in Freeport is home to the spectacular “Bahamian Burger” that is comprised of a tempura conch patty, lobster salad and house-smoked bacon. The perfect accompaniment is the local favorite, a cold Sands Beer, that recently returned to production. The Bahamian Brewery was rebuilt after being destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. If going out in public is a concern, Go-Gettas Delivery is an incredibly convenient service that connects customers and businesses with food, grocery, items, medication, and they tackle tasks as well.
Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort reopens on Nov. 1 Credit Sunwing
Travelers can enjoy a “Surf & Turf” adventure by first visiting the gorgeous private enclave known as Garden of the Groves in Freeport. It consists of trails and ponds, beautiful waterfalls, natural vegetation and home to over a hundred species of migratory and Bahamian birds. Next up is a short boat ride with West End Ecology Tours to Sandy Cay where you can swim with stingrays or if you prefer, swim with a dolphin at the world renowned UNEXSO. Other activities include spearfishing, swimming with sharks, and freediving on a shipwreck. Finish up by laying in the sun to enjoy the gentle breeze.
A curfew is still in place from 10 PM to 5 AM, but social events such as Weddings and Receptions are now allowed both outdoors and indoors as long as they are in accordance with the guidelines and protocols set forth by the Ministry of Health. This bodes well for guests who travel far and wide to the island that has a reputation for romantic escapes and destination weddings. Throughout the lockdown period, the International Airport at Freeport, which is in the midst of a terminal expansion project, remained open and was fully operational, receiving cargo, private flights, emergency and humanitarian flights. The airport is now accepting international flights such as Silver Airways out of Florida; American Airlines returned on October 8th. Bahamasair has been in operation domestically, but they are yet to announce when they will resume international flights.
The Ministry of Tourism continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to establish and evaluate protocols and timelines with respect to the RT-PCR testing in advance of travel and curb any potential spread of the virus. As a reminder, the Bahamian government’s new entry requirements for visitors, which came into effect on September 1st. 2020, include:
– Negative COVID-19 PCR Test Results no more than seven days prior to travel to The Bahamas
– Upon receipt of your COVID-19 test results, travelers must submit them at https://travel.gov.bs/international in order to receive a Bahamas Travel Health Visa, which will be issued shortly after the submission of test results
– Valid Passport
– Bahamas Travel Health Visa – the cost will be determined by the length of stay
– Mandatory “Vacation in Place” (VIP) – for 14 days or until November 1st – at a hotel, private club or rented accommodations (like Airbnb), as well as on a private boat.
The only applicants who are not required to provide a COVID-19 test are:
– Children under the age of ten (10)
– Pilots and crew who remain overnight in The Bahamas.
In addition to the above protocols, a rapid antigen test will be conducted upon arrival, and then again four days (96 hours) after arrival in The Bahamas. The rapid tests are quick and easy with the results being provided electronically in less than 20 minutes. All visitors who are leaving on “Day Five” of their visit will not be required to take the second test. The cost of the rapid tests on and after arrival will be included in the cost of the visa.
Snorkeling lessons in the pool Photo Credit Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach
All persons arriving by yachts or other pleasure crafts will be able to make arrangements for their mandatory rapid tests at the port of entry.
It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry.
About Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board
The Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board (GBITB) is the private sector marketing and promotion agency for Grand Bahama Island. The GBITB is mandated to support economic growth for tourism stakeholders on Grand Bahama Island.
Activities include the development and execution of various marketing and promotional initiatives designed to enhance and increase Grand Bahama Island’s awareness and profile in the market. The Board’s membership includes a wide range of tourism-related businesses including the accommodation sector, restaurants, bars, attractions, transportation providers, artisans and retailers.
