The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation announced today that, beginning June 15, 2020, it will initiate ‘Phase One’ of its strategic, phased approach for reopening the national tourism sector, in alignment with its ‘Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan.’

During the first phase, all The Islands Of The Bahamas will welcome international boaters, yachters and private aviation back to Bahamian shores. Commercial airlines will also be allowed to fly in Bahamian citizens and legal residents or homeowners who qualify for economic permanent residency, as well as significant others or immediate family members of any of these groups. Reduced commercial flight schedules are anticipated at this time, while airlines begin adding back routes to The Bahamas.

It’s hoped that permitting entry to these smaller, special interest groups first during Phase One will provide a controlled test group through which the effectiveness of the country’s new measures might be gauged, Travel Pulse reported. The plan was created by The Bahamas Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a combined group of public- and private-sector partners. Phase One also encourages hotels to bring staff back to work and start preparing for reopening by implementing all the new, required measures so that they can be ready to welcome back guests when Phase Two takes effect.