MICE In The Mexican Caribbean – What You Need To Know Now

When it comes to travel these days, it’s not about the best deal, but where people can safely visit. In the time of COVID-19, the idea of “safely visit” takes on new meaning when planning events – especially international ones – so destinations must ensure they are adhering to the strictest cleanliness protocols, giving planners and attendees that much-needed confidence to book. 

The destination certainly makes the difference, and the Mexican Caribbean is one of the regions where “safely visit” is the highest priority. Here are the top five things to know now for planning meetings and events in the stunningly scenic Mexican Caribbean.  

Elevated Hygiene Protocols Are The Norm

The health and well-being of all visitors and citizens is paramount, and hotels in the Mexican Caribbean have implemented extensive measures focusing on this to drive group travel.

New protocols include temperature checks of guests and staff with non-contact thermometers; social distance measures to ensure guests are 6 feet apart; baggage cleaning at check-in and check-out; an emphasis on contactless interactions; stations with soap and water and/or hand sanitizer set-up throughout the property; mask requirements for all staff, and hotels providing masks for visitors; disinfectant footwear mats; and frequent signage about proper hand-washing, disinfection of personal items, and basic symptoms of respiratory disease. Local restaurants and shops are also adopting similar diligent measures.

Stamp Of Approval = Highest Hygiene Standards

The hotels in the Mexican Caribbean tourism industry have worked closely with internationally renowned companies, such as ECOLAB, 3M, Bayer and Pure, to maintain the highest hygiene standards – and that has led to a significant stamp of approval. 

According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Board, Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen and Grand Costa Maya have received the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) “Global Safety Stamp,” a designation given to destinations that have adopted its meticulous standards for traveler protection.

Driving a deeper level of confidence for travelers, partners and event planners, Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism and State Health Services Department launched the “Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification” program. Aligning with international protocols like those established by the WTTC, the program aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 while supporting the tourism industry’s adaptation of health practices. Nearly 7,000 companies, from hotels and restaurants to transportation companies and tour operators, have registered to obtain certification. 

Airports Adhere To Strict Measures

The many U.S. gateways to the Mexican Caribbean make travel to the region convenient, but airports are understandably a major COVID-19 concern.  And, local airports have aggressively addressed those concerns by rolling out new standard procedures where health safety is at the forefront. 

International airports in Cancun, Cozumel and Chetumal are 100% compliant with hygiene protocols, and all airport employees are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment. Social distancing measures have been implemented in inter-terminal transportation and elevators and at passenger inspection points, boarding gates and customs areas. Antibacterial gel dispensers have been installed in all public areas, protective acrylics are now at all counters, and temperature sensors have been placed at all passenger arrival and departure areas. Security trays, all indoor areas, and land transportation are constantly cleaned and disinfected. All passengers are required to complete questionnaires in printed and electronic forms for the identification of risk factors in travelers. 

The Pleasures Of The Mexican Caribbean Remain
Thanks to extensive collaboration between the Quintana Roo state government, tourism board, private sector and tourism service providers, the Mexican Caribbean has been welcoming visitors back to its shores since early June where they’ve been enjoying the abundance of what people adore about the region – beautiful beaches, warm and personalized Mexican hospitality, intriguing history and culture, superb food, affordability, and a great infrastructure. 

For meetings, the choice of thrilling pre- and post-event experiences, luxury hotels, and abundant cultural attractions elevates any group program. The tourism sector continues to operate with the utmost diligence in implementing strict hygiene procedures in order to create safe events for all attendees.

Collaboration Thrives
Creativity, flexibility and affordability are central to the selection of a destination for meetings and events, and the Mexican Caribbean excels with planning group programs that skillfully encompasses these cornerstones. 

The Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Board reports of the extensive and positive collaboration between all members of the tourism sector to make planners and travelers feel safe while appreciating the landscape, hospitality, extensive airlift, and overall offerings of the Mexican Caribbean. Adding to this are state-of-the-art facilities at hotels and convention centers, easy budgeting, and the zero Value Added Tax (VAT) for international congresses, exhibitions and conferences. 

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Recognizing that unprecedented times require unprecedented measures, the Mexican Caribbean remains steadfast in its efforts to adhere to the highest hygiene protocols, so “safely visit” remains at the forefront for meetings and events in an exquisite tropical landscape.