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The NIZUC Resort and Spa has announced they will now require proof of a negative Covid-19 test to enter the hotel. Cancun is well known worldwide for its relaxed entry requirements but the NIZUC has taken a different route saying it wants to protect its guest from the Omicron variant.
NIZUC announced the new testing requirement on its website, informing its guest that the new policy begins Wednesday December 22nd, running until January 2nd.
“At NIZUC Resort & Spa, we aim to provide the highest standard of service in a safe and comfortable environment for both guests and employees.
Due to the recent increase in the Omicron virus, in order to prevent the spread during this upcoming holiday season, we are requiring that all guests 2 years and older, provide a negative result Antigen or PCR test, taken 24 hours prior to departure to Cancun (At home tests are accepted)
This will take effect for all arrivals starting on Wednesday December 22, 2021 through January 2nd, 2022.
The Omicron strain of the COVID virus is spreading quickly across the world, with many countries in Europe already reintroducing regulations and lockdowns to help stem the infection rate.
Mexico, and Cancun in particular, has taken advantage of the stricter regulations across the Atlantic, using relaxed entry requirements and open borders to enjoy massive tourism growth over the course of the pandemic. While other countries’ tourist sectors have been decimated, Cancun has become one of the top holiday destinations in the world. It was recently announced that Cancun is now the second most popular destination in the world coming in behind Dubai.
NIZUC’s choice to require COVID tests is a bold one, considering One of Cancun's biggest draws at the moment is its lack of entry requirements, including testing and vaccinations. On one hand, it’s possible the resort may lose business from any potential customers that are heading to Mexico to avoid similar regulations. On the other, it may attract some vacation goers who might have been put off by the lax stances on COVID.
Just last week, the governor of Quintana Roo warned locals and tourists of a potential regression to a yellow traffic light designation if Omicron could not be controlled. There were no rules announced by the Governor, but NIZUC appear to have taken heed of the message and implemented their own form of protection for their hotel.
It is unclear if any other hotels will follow in NIZUC’s footsteps. The same dilemma awaits any establishment who wants to bring in their own restrictions.
Any additional requirement may potentially put off some customers, but a statewide drop from green to yellow would mean hotels and restaurants could not operate at their full capacity. With the busiest numbers on record for the airport, and millions of tourists passing through over the next few weeks, a loss in capacity would be an infrastructural nightmare for the region.
It’s a balancing act for Quintana Roo, who’s greatest asset in their recovery has been inaction on the COVID front. Any major change to their requirements could tarnish the haven-like reputation they’ve built over the last year.
The next week will be an interesting period of time for the city, and only time will tell how much of a burden Omicron will be.
Despite recent shootings and multiple waves of the pandemic, Cancun continues to be the number one destination for American travelers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Julie
Friday 31st of December 2021
It's theater for the paranoid. That's why they're allowing the "at home" tests -- $20/2 at Walmart.
Guisel
Saturday 25th of December 2021
Cancun is well known for his open doors and being respectful with freedom of choice but we will tart with someone that wants to take the lead with stupid restrictions. Just to show off so the world can see yes they do care!
Adam
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
So it's the weakest variant ever, a hope to get natural immunity with symptoms no different from common cold and they panic?
MizCricket
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Regardless of which news sources one watches on TV (conservative and liberal biases), they've ALL reported Omicron as "mild to asymptomatic". Even the S. African physician who "discovered" this new variant reports that her patients are very mild to completely asymptomatic.
Pandemics do NOT last TWO YEARS.
Yet here we are on Round 3, shutting down businesses & programs, canceling events (sports & fine arts), masking up once AGAIN, MANDATING "vaccinations for EVERYONE", and empty store shelves for household staples & food items.
Top all this off with high (vehicle) fuel prices; high airfare, motorcoach, rail, cruise, lodging prices; high energy prices (electricity, gas heat source).
When will this end??
Liberty
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Omicron is literally the sniffles. This is a stupid practice. The more BS requirements there are, the more people will go elsewhere.
MizCricket
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
@Liberty, I heartily agree. As a Travel Agent, I am SO tired of all this BS, and so are travel clients. They're no longer fearful of contracting any virus. They're ANGRY at this point. Two years and counting -- "pandemics" do NOT last 2 years!!
When a client who's a respiratory therapist with Covid-19 patients (and has 2 intubated) cancels his cruise NOT because of the virus, but because he refuses to wear a mask on vacation -- said he has to wear a mask every day, all day at work. **MIC DROP**