Kralendijk – The Government of Bonaire is optimistic about an economic recovery for the island, now that after five months the island was labeled again as ‘code yellow’ by  the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in The Hague. This means that travel to the island is no longer discouraged.

This is possible because Bonaire currently seems to have the cases of Covid-19 under control. There is also a significant reduction in active infections. Another positive factor is that Bonaire is one of the islands in the region with a high percentage of people vaccinated against the coronavirus. 71% of residents aged 18 and over have the first jab and 38% have already received the second corona jab.

Travellers flying back to the Netherlands now no longer need to have a NAAT/PCR test and/or anti-genic test taken. The quarantine advice also expires for them and this makes it a lot more attractive and advantageous to fly to Bonaire on holiday.

US flights

Another positive factor is the impending restart of flights out of the United States. Previously, airlines from the United States did not want to start flights to Bonaire because the entry policy was too complex according to the ministerial regulations. The U.S. public health system could not guarantee that travelers would have the result of a NAAT/PCR – or anti-drug test – before departure. The result of the intensive discussions with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) is that an amendment was tabled during a debate in the House of Representatives on 28 April to allow the taking of the Antigeen test even on arrival. The amendment was supported by a majority in the House of Representatives and is expected to enter into force by June 1.

From June, the U.S. airlines can fly back to Bonaire. Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have now announced that they will fly back to Bonaire from June 5, 2021.

TCB

“Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) is very happy with the news of color code yellow. We can continue marketing campaigns again, not only in the European market but now also in the American market. In the coming months of May and June, various influencers will visit Bonaire, putting our island in the spotlight”, says Marjolein Oleana – Business Manager TCB.

The tourism sector, with which the island administration maintains intensive contact throughout the Covid period, is particularly excited about the prospect of being able to welcome American tourists again after more than 15 months.

---

Also read

• 
  Every child counts for child benefit
• 
  Peter Johnson new Head of Distribution at Saba Electric Company
• 
  Vacancy Mechanical Engineer on Statia
• 
  Minister Schouten to visit Saba and St. Eustatius
• 
  Coast Guard introduces new helicopter and aircraft