by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:28 PM ET, Thu May 28, 2020
Tourism officials from The Bahamas announced Thursday it would open its borders to international tourists starting on July 1.
According to Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director General Joy Jibrilu, the island nation is focused on the safety of visitors and is working with health and government to welcome guests back without fear of a second wave of coronavirus infections.
The Bahamas closed its borders to travelers in March as the viral pandemic spread, but the nation began launching a campaign in April to inspire people through empathy.
As a result, tourists in the United States suffering from cabin fever due to the quarantines began searching for vacations in the Caribbean again and the Bahamas was at the top of the list.
Survey data presented by the tourism board showed that 40 percent of respondents willing to travel wanted to visit a beach destination, with seclusion and cruise alternatives topping the list of desires.
While data also showed many travelers would wait four-to-six months to travel again, they are preparing to hit the road and The Bahamas will be ready. Officials will soon be entering Phase 3 of reopening by increasing advertisements and ensuring the country's brand is fresh on people's minds.
Another main focus of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is hurricane season, which begins officially on Monday. The nation's tourism industry rebounded from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and plans remain in place to protect locals and visitors this season.
To help entice travelers to return, the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association also said that the majority of member brands offer a hurricane cancelation policy to protect tourists thinking about visiting the islands in the coming months.
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