American tourists don't always have the best reputation abroad, but it can be amusing to see how other countries view US culture.
21.07.2023 - 08:05 / roughguides.com
With its timeless colonial towns of colourful low-slung houses and cobblestone streets, riotous festivals and amazing wildlife, Colombia is a showstopper of a destination. International flights were approved to return on 1 September, as the country looks forward to welcoming visitors back to its shores. We caught up with Flavia Santoro, President at ProColombia, to learn more about the country’s experience of coronavirus, and what travellers can expect from a visit in the near future.
Flavia Santoro, ProColombia President © ProColombia
Q: How would you describe Colombia’s experience of coronavirus?
A: The Colombian government has enacted a swift response to Covid-19 and has kept the toll of infection and death relatively low compared to other Latin American nations.
Our nation took early isolation measures, which allowed us to strengthen the health-system capacities by increasing ICUs and buying emergency supplies and medical equipment. The social distancing implemented throughout the country was also key in slowing the virus infection rate.
However, these measures that aim to save lives, have also had a great impact on our economy. The Government has implemented relief initiatives to assist businesses from different sectors, which include tax waivers, payroll payment assistance and forbearance on social-security obligations. In addition to this, the government has extended lines of credit through government-controlled financial institutions and has reduced interest rates.
Colombia has attempted to find a balance between adequate distancing and economic activity by keeping open sectors that were crucial for the economy and our supply chain, including food, agriculture, financial and essential services.
Starting on 1 September, after 171 days of pandemic and 152 days of isolation, the country will enter into a new phase, which the Government has referred to as a “selective isolation and individual responsibility period”.
This means that all commercial activities will operate again with strict biosecurity protocols. The only restricted activities are bars and events and the consumption of alcohol in public spaces or in commercial establishments.
In addition, tourist activities are once more allowed – there will be no restrictions for air transport or trip roads. It is important to highlight that the Ministry of Health approved the operation of international flights as of 1 September.
Sixteen airports already have the Government’s biosecurity certification, and five of them have the Tourism Biosecurity Certification, which has the support of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
We are confident about the future. We believe that these measures that we have taken to face the pandemic will help
American tourists don't always have the best reputation abroad, but it can be amusing to see how other countries view US culture.
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