Yucatecan tour operators reinforce security measures to receive cruise passengers

Expectations for 2022 are positive, but we have not yet reached 2019 levels, says Armando Casares.

Merida, Yucatan, (December 07, 2021).- Yucatecan tour operators have applied biosecurity measures to guarantee the protection of tourists arriving by cruise ship to the port of Progreso, said Armando Casares, executive director of Total Gusto, a company specialized in cruise ship tourism.

Some of the protocols are: not filling the buses 100 percent, wearing face masks, and having these items available for passengers; also all guides and drivers are vaccinated. This is coupled with the actions carried out by shipping companies, such as restricting the capacity of ships to 70 percent, and those who board must be vaccinated.

“Expectations for 2022 are positive, however, we still would not reach the levels of 2019. There are more than 100 confirmed arrivals for 2022 and in 2019 there were 140 arrivals, so although we are not 100 percent, it is not bad compared to other ports that have not yet been recovered ”, mentioned the interviewee.

He explained that as a result of the pandemic they have had to make adjustments of all kinds, both in the dock, from the moment the passengers get off, the facilities have had to be updated and put temperature check centers and antibacterial gel, even them as receptors, which have sanitary protocols in the buses to give confidence to the passengers.

He affirmed that the Yucatan government has made a good effort to communicate that they are ready to receive more vessels from this tourist segment.

In addition, another important aspect is the environmental one: “as local businessmen and hand in hand with shipping companies, we work so that the carbon footprint is less and less, both they on their part with the cruises, we with our excursions and the authorities”.