Sandals Resorts has achieved a remarkable milestone by being awarded the Healthier, Safer, Tourism (HST) award by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). This recognition is significant as Sandals becomes the first hotel chain to receive CARPHA’s esteemed Healthier, Safer, Destination (HSD) designation, highlighting its commitment to rigorous health monitoring standards across its properties.
What is CARPHA and Its Role in Public Health?
CARPHA, established under an agreement signed by Caricom member states in July 2011, serves as the umbrella organization for addressing regional public health issues. Its mission includes improving health outcomes and promoting safe tourism practices throughout the Caribbean.
Why Did Sandals Receive the HSD Designation?
According to CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, Sandals earned the HSD designation because all its properties in the Caribbean received the HST award, which acknowledges the hotel chain’s proactive health measures in tourism.
Sandals Resorts Across the Caribbean
Sandals operates 17 resorts in the Caribbean, with locations in Jamaica, St Lucia, Barbados, The Bahamas, Antigua, Grenada, Curacao, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. This extensive presence underscores the hotel chain’s commitment to maintaining high health standards across all its properties.
How is the HST Award Evaluated?
The HST awards are based on data collected from a confidential electronic monitoring system utilized by hotel properties. This system allows for the swift detection of illness trends among staff or guests, enabling timely interventions. To qualify for the award, hotels must have utilized the system for several months, trained at least 10% of their staff, and adhered to CARPHA’s operational standards.
The Significance of the HSD Designation
During an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Dr. Indar elaborated on the importance of the HSD designation. She noted that it is recognized by major tourism organizations, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the United Nations World Tourism Organization. This recognition not only reinforces Sandals’ commitment to health and safety but also provides travelers with greater confidence when choosing their accommodations.
How Does This Award Benefit Travelers?
The HSD designation adds an extra layer of assurance for travelers, as it ensures that Sandals has a system in place to quickly identify and respond to potential health issues. Dr. Indar emphasized that this proactive approach enables rapid responses to health concerns, enhancing guest safety and comfort.
Competitive Advantage for Sandals Resorts
The HSD designation gives Sandals a unique competitive edge in the hospitality industry. Dr. Indar highlighted that being the first hotel chain to achieve this distinction sets Sandals apart globally, showcasing their commitment to health and safety in tourism.
What Does the Award Mean for Sandals?
Jeremy Jones, the regional managing director for Jamaica at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, described the award as a “healthy housekeeping stamp of approval.” He emphasized its importance in ensuring quick detection and response to health issues, which is crucial for the tourism-dependent Caribbean economy.
Enhancing Health and Safety Standards
Gavin Palmer, corporate manager for environment, health, and safety at Sandals Resorts International, noted that the strong partnership with CARPHA has significantly improved health, safety, and well-being across all resorts. This collaboration has strengthened systems, empowered staff, and established high standards to protect guests, staff, and local communities.
How Does This Partnership Benefit the Tourism Industry?
By fostering a more resilient tourism industry through enhanced health and safety measures, Sandals and CARPHA are setting a precedent for best practices in hospitality. This proactive approach ensures that the Caribbean can effectively respond to health crises, thereby protecting the region’s vital tourism sector.
Sandals Resorts’ recognition by CARPHA with the HST award and the HSD designation underscores its dedication to health and safety in tourism. As the first hotel chain to achieve this honor, Sandals not only enhances traveler confidence but also sets a new standard for the hospitality industry in the Caribbean. With a commitment to proactive health measures and a strong partnership with CARPHA, Sandals is poised to lead the way in creating a safer and healthier tourism experience for all.
The Importance of Health and Safety in Tourism
In recent years, the tourism industry has faced numerous challenges, particularly related to health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing health and safety when choosing their accommodations, making it essential for resorts to implement robust health protocols. The recognition from CARPHA serves as a validation of Sandals’ commitment to maintaining high standards in this area.
Proactive Health Monitoring
The electronic monitoring system utilized by Sandals Resorts is a key component in ensuring guest and staff safety. This system allows for real-time tracking of health trends, enabling quick identification of potential outbreaks or health concerns. By acting swiftly, Sandals can mitigate risks before they escalate, protecting both guests and employees.
