Mexican Caribbean Launches Clean & Safe Check Certification Program

CANCÚN, Mexico, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, announced the tourism industry will start reopening June 8. In preparation for the planned reopening for tourism activity in Quintana Roo, the Secretary of Tourism and state health officials together with the support of specialists in the sector have launched the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification, which aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 and generate confidence among guests, partners and the community.

The certification program, launched May 18, is available to travel agencies, food & beverage establishments, car rental companies, water and activity parks, golf courses, hotels and resorts, spas, transportation companies, tour operators, among other tourism and hospitality companies. Tourism service providers who wish to earn the complimentary certificate must apply online at the Secretary of Tourism's website and declare compliance with criteria related to the implementation of health security measures. Once registered, applicants will access and complete a form in accordance with certificate guidelines only available to companies registered on the portal.

"In the first days since launch, over 3,000 companies have applied for the certificate, illustrating the dedication our destinations have to keeping the Mexican Caribbean safe and welcoming," said Dario Flota Ocampo, director of Quintana Roo Tourism Board.

Applications will be evaluated by a technical committee comprised of tourism and health authorities; the committee will also conduct random inspections of establishments to verify each certificate holder is meeting criteria. Once companies meet the criteria, they will be accredited with the certificate in digital format and online via the official websites of the Secretary of Tourism and Quintana Roo Tourism Board. The certificate will be valid through December 31, 2020.

In addition to general spaces, criteria will be evaluated by the following service areas according to each company:

• Service and operation areas
• Management
• Reception
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Food & Beverage (restaurants, bars, nightlife)
• Meetings & Conventions
• Special areas and services (kids' areas, gym, spa, etc.)
• Pool and jacuzzi(s)
• Rest areas
• Maintenance
• Training & awareness
• Equipment
• Healthcare
• Staff transport
• Guidelines for suppliers
• Guidelines for partners and transport providers (taxis)

Certificate holders, and the state of Quintana Roo, will gain multiple benefits from the program, including the guaranteed implementation of good practices in the field of health safety; the correct definition of hygiene processes and procedures; increased customer trust and loyalty; health discipline in staff; assured job security. The state aims to reduce health risks; increase the arrival of tourists and visitors through greater confidence in the destination; competitiveness in the Mexican Caribbean and internationally.

Multiple hotels and tour providers have also launched internal safety programs, including AM Resorts, Palladium Hotel Group, UNICO S.A.F.E. plan, Riu Hotels Preverisk program, Palace Resorts 'Purely Palace' program, Xcaret Xafety program, among many others. Hotels, resorts and tour operators' new advanced health and hygiene programs include enhanced safety measures and protocols across all points of contact including common areas, restaurants, kitchens and bars, guest rooms, activities, fitness centers, spas, transportation and all behind-the-scenes operations to ensure guests' safety and peace of mind.

ASUR airports are fulfilling standards in collaboration with the Communications and Transportation Ministry, Federal Agency for Civil Aviation, international health authorities and in partnership with the state government and municipal authorities. Specific actions include sanitation and deep cleaning of all areas, protective screens on counters, permanent monitoring of social-distance measures, permanent temperature checks for all passengers, and risk-factor identification questionnaires for travelers. For a full list of airport measures, click here.

For additional information on the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification guidelines and protocol, please visit https://qroo.gob.mx/cppsit

About Quintana Roo
Part of the stunning Mexican Caribbean, the state of Quintana Roo is one of Mexico's top tourism producers including destinations both world-renowned and off-the-beaten-path. From Cancun, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen to Isla Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Tulum, Maya Ka'an and Grand Costa Maya, Quintana Roo is known for its idyllic landscape, diverse activities, unique cuisine and the incomparable beauty of its Mayan ruins. The destinations that make up Quintana Roo have options for all kinds of travelers, from ultimate luxury in five-star resorts to close encounters with nature including swimming with whale sharks and cenote diving and international music, sporting, and gastronomic events.

SOURCE Mexican Caribbean