As it prepares for the return of travelers, the Mexican Caribbean has launched a new program to ensure high sanitary standards in the tourism industry. 

Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, the Governor of Quintana Roo, which is home to popular destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, said the tourism industry would start reopening June 8. 

That comes as the United States recently extended its restriction on touristic travel to Mexico amid the pandemic.

The new program is called the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification, which is available to travel agencies, food & beverage establishments, car rental companies, water and activity parks, golf courses, hotels and resorts, spas and other tourism stakeholders. 

The certificate program requires compliance with a number of criteria, with applications evaluated by a technical committee. 

Criteria covers all aspects of the industry, from management and reception to food and beverage and housekeeping. 

“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.

A number of hotels in the area have also launched new health and safety programs like Palladium, Riu and Palace Resorts. 

— CJ