**The Mexican Caribbean Is Poised to Reopen: Key Points to Remember**
Amid easing lockdown measures and a decline in the global pandemic, several countries are cautiously announcing their plans to reopen for summer travel. Mexico recently joined the ranks of nations such as Iceland, Italy, Greece, and Spain in revealing its intention to welcome tourists back, with Quintana Roo Governor Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez initiating the region’s reopening process scheduled for June 8.
To prepare for this reopening, the Secretary of Tourism and state health officials introduced the Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification on May 18. This certification, available to various tourism and hospitality establishments including hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, and golf courses, aims to uphold stringent sanitary standards to prevent and contain COVID-19. The program is designed to instill confidence among guests, partners, and the local community.
Service providers are required to apply for the certificate through the Secretary of Tourism’s website and confirm their adherence to specific criteria encompassing enhanced cleaning protocols in shared spaces, dining areas, guest accommodations, fitness centers, spas, and operational facilities. Since its launch, more than 2,700 companies have already submitted applications for the certificate.
Through this certification, both certificate holders and Quintana Roo are poised to benefit significantly, as it is expected to boost visitor numbers by enhancing the perceived safety and competitiveness of the Mexican Caribbean as a secure destination. To further ensure guest safety, numerous hotels and tour operators in the region have introduced internal safety initiatives, such as AM Resorts’ UNICO S.A.F.E. plan, Palace Resorts’ Purely Palace program, and the Xcaret Xafety program.
Despite the U.S. government extending its travel restrictions to Mexico until June 22, restricting non-essential travel such as tourism, airlines like Air Canada, Delta, Southwest, Air Europa, and Aeroméxico have announced the resumption of operations at Cancun Airport in early June, anticipating the readiness of Americans and other travelers to explore once more.
Quintana Roo, a leading tourism hub in Mexico, boasts popular destinations like Cozumel and Tulum, alongside hidden gems like Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos. The region’s attractions, including Mayan ruins, Mexican-Caribbean cuisine, destination spas, and a multitude of activities like scuba diving, make it a compelling destination on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
**Image Source:** Pixabay
