Concern is brewing in the tourism sector over how and where travellers might get COVID tested abroad as a new US requirement goes into effect for travellers on international flights to present a negative test before boarding a flight.
The same day that the requirement took effect, Hyatt Hotels announced it would offer free COVID-19 testing at 19 of its resorts in Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and South America for guests travelling to the US.
Hyatt also announced it would offer 50 percent off room rates and 30 percent off food to guests who can’t travel due to the testing requirement.
"Our new complimentary COVID-19 testing and Travel Delay Rate provide travellers with added confidence, peace of mind and convenience when staying at or considering travel to Hyatt properties in Latin America," Mark Vondrasek, chief commercial officer for Hyatt said in a statement.
The free testing is available for up to two registered guests per room per stay through to the end of May. Face masks are already required in Hyatt Hotel indoor public areas globally and when moving around in outdoor areas.
Other hotels, ranging from the swank Atlantis in the Bahamas to Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to timeshare resorts throughout the region, have added on-site testing for guests.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced the new US requirement, and it was formalised in President Joe Biden’s executive order on COVID-19 safety in domestic and international travel.
