– Less restrictions, more activities on the cards for Barbados –
As Barbados continues to reopen, a new Directive from the Government announced the discontinuation of the 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew effective February 14, 2022. This comes as public health officials continue to manage the pandemic, with approximately 70 percent of the total eligible population receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The new Directive highlighted other updates including:
- There will be no restriction of beach activity and parks, and Barbadians and visitors alike would again be allowed to enjoy these facilities without limitation.
- Hiking will also be allowed in no greater groups of 30 individuals.
- Pleasure craft and private boats, chartered for private cruises will move from 50 to 100 per cent of their authorised number of passengers. Proof of vaccination or testing will be required prior to boarding.
- Cricket capacity at the Kensington Oval for the upcoming international tournaments in March will move from 60 to 80 per cent, fully vaccinated.
- The six-foot rule for distancing will no longer apply, except where persons exercise together outdoors, without wearing a mask. In all other cases, the physical distance of at least three feet will apply.
For more information on Barbados’ travel protocols, visit www.barbadostravelprotocols.com.
Events are back
In addition to relaxed restrictions, visitors to the island can also look forward to the return of several sporting and entertainment activities as Barbados reopens. Some of the major upcoming events already announced for 2022 include the highly-anticipated England vs. West Indies cricket tour in March; the World Surfing League QS3000 in April; the Annual Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend in October; and a packed motorsports calendar of activities taking place at Bushy Park.
Speaking on the destination’s growing calendar of events, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins noted “We are looking ahead with great optimism as we welcome the return of so many well-loved activities to our shores. From motorsports to jazz, we are once again offering travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in our culture and experience the warmth and hospitality of our people.”
She added that “Our tourism, entertainment, culture and sports sectors, among others, continue to drive demand for destination Barbados. The newly updated protocols signify an important and progressive step for us to able to satisfy that demand in a manner close to, and hopefully exceeding, what we were delivering pre-COVID.”
– ENDS –
About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers a unique Caribbean experience steeped in rich history and colourful culture, and rooted in remarkable landscapes. Barbados is the home of two of the three remaining Jacobean Mansions left in the Western hemisphere, as well as fully functional rum distilleries. In fact, this island is known as the birthplace of rum, commercially producing and bottling the spirit since the 1700s. Each year, Barbados hosts several world-class events including the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival; the annual Barbados Reggae Festival; and the annual Crop Over Festival, where celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton and its very own Rihanna are often spotted. Accommodations are wide and varied, ranging from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfast gems; prestigious international chains; and award-winning five-diamond resorts. In 2018, Barbados’ accommodation sector captured 13 awards in the Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, All-Inclusive, Small, Best Service, Bargain, and Romance categories of the ‘Traveler’s Choice Awards’. And getting to paradise is a breeze: the Grantley Adams International Airport offers plenty non-stop and direct services from a growing number of U.S., U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American gateways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Visit Barbados and experience why for two years in a row it won the prestigious Star Winter Sun Destination Award at the ‘Travel Bulletin Star Awards’ in 2017 and 2018. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, and via Twitter @Barbados.