COVID-19 Update

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Recent COVID-19 questions
In the last few days, we have received several questions about the following topics, and we would like to give members an update.

Vaccination of Royal Resorts employees
Our employees are being vaccinated against COVID-19 as part of the Quintana Roo State vaccination program, which is being carried out according to age group. The program started with the over 60s, continuing with those in the 50 to 59 age group, 40 to 49, 30 to 39, 18 to 29 and so on.
Currently around 8.5 percent of the 3,030 Royal Resorts employees are fully vaccinated, having received both doses, however, this percentage will increase significantly as the vaccination campaign advances and the different age groups get their second shot.
Most Royal Resorts employees are aged between 18 and 35 and we expect them to receive their second vaccination by the beginning of October. This means that between 70 and 80 percent of our employees will be fully vaccinated by that time.
Since the pandemic began, we have also had 549 cases of fully recovered employees who have natural immunity to the virus at present.
As part of our ongoing COVID-19 awareness program, we are urging all our employees to get vaccinated.
The health and safety of our guests and employees is always our top priority and the additional Royal Care Standard hygiene measures we implemented last year are strictly enforced throughout the resorts. These include the use of PPE, social distancing, hand sanitizer, additional cleaning of busy areas during the day, and employee and visitor temperature checks, among others.
Check the COVID-19 Update on our website on a regular basis. You’ll find information on COVID-19 testing at the resorts and the forms for booking a test if you need one for your return journey to your own country, FAQs, travel assistance and more.

New sanitary measures in other establishments
We have also received several questions from members about recent media reports about new sanitary measures for restaurants and marinas, which include requesting proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for admission.
We would like to provide some clarification about these reports. This is an option or recommendation that the State Government announced for restaurants and other establishments that wish to apply for a permit to increase their capacity above the percentage currently permitted by contingency health and safety regulations.
Royal Resorts is already certified by the State Tourism Board and has no plans to apply for the permit. As a result, it will not be implementing these new measures in its resorts, restaurants, marinas and other establishments.
We do not have information about external restaurants at this time, however, it is possible that some may request the permit to increase their capacity and may introduce these new measures.

We hope that this information will help answer any concerns that you may have.

Make your Visitor Tax payments through the official VISITAX website

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Make your Visitor Tax payments through the official VISITAX website
In April, the Quintana Roo State Government introduced a new tax for international visitors known as VISITAX. All international visitors to the Mexican Caribbean pay approximately US$10 per person, depending on the exchange rate.

The tax can be paid online through the official government VISITAX website www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio before or during your visit to the state or in cash at the airport prior to departure. Using the website is easy and the information is available in English and Spanish.

However, be aware that there is also an English language website called https://visitax.us/ and do not confuse it with the official site which has .gob.mx in the address. This second site belongs to a private company and is not associated with the Quintana Roo State Government in any way. It is charging US$38 per person (including the Visitor Tax and a US$28 service fee) for helping visitors to pay the tax.

New Members Lounge opens at The Royal Sands

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New Members Lounge opens at The Royal Sands

Members at The Royal Sands have a new Members Lounge to enjoy during their vacation. Inaugurated on July 16, by a group of members and Royal Resorts management representatives, the room has comfy sofas, coffee tables and stools in a stylish color scheme and design. It is the perfect spot to catch up with other members over coffee, read a newspaper or book or watch TV. Self-service coffee and tea and a selection of pastries and snacks are available.

The Members Lounge is located between the Gift shop and Jewelry store, just off the lobby

Open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday to Friday. Capacity: 15 people at a time, exclusively for Royal Resorts members.

We hope that you enjoy this new membership amenity at The Royal Sands.

 

The Royal Sands The Royal Sands

NEW STATE TAX FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COMES INTO EFFECT IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN ON APRIL 1, 2021

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NEW STATE TAX FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COMES INTO EFFECT IN THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN ON APRIL 1, 2021

We would like to share information from the Quintana Roo State Government about a new Visitor Tax or Tourism Use Fee which comes into effect on April 1, 2021. The fee will be charged to all international visitors to the Mexican Caribbean over the age of 15 and is approximately US$10 per person, depending on the exchange rate.

Visitors will be able to pay the fee before traveling to Cancun, Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya or other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, upon arrival in the state or during their stay.  To facilitate online payments, the State Government Tax Office has developed the VISITAX system. When accessing this secure website, visitors will complete a form with the following information:

–       Number of people traveling

–       Name, age and passport number of each individual in the group

–       Departure date

–       Payment information

 

Families and groups will be able to pay for all members in one transaction providing that each person’s information is included on the VISITAX form. Separate receipts will be provided for each person.

As an alternative to using the VISITAX website, visitors will also be able to pay the tax in cash in airport terminals.

International travelers departing the state of Quintana Roo need to show a receipt of payment for the fee at airport checkpoints prior to boarding their flight.

Further updates will be published when we receive more information from the Quintana Roo State Government about this new visitor fee.

Royal Resorts gana premios RCI Gold Crown

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Royal Resorts gana premios RCI Gold Crown

The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands, The Royal Islander y The Royal Haciendas han ganado los premios RCI® Gold Crown 2021 por su excelente servicio y hospitalidad.

También recibieron la distinción EIS otorgada a los resorts que obtienen las calificaciones más altas de satisfacción de los miembros de RCI. Este galardón sólo se otorga al dos por ciento de todos los resorts en la red de intercambios RCI en todo el mundo, actualmente alrededor de 4,200+ propiedades en 110 países.

Adicionalmente, The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands y The Royal Haciendas obtuvieron la All Inclusive Premier Distinction 2021, la distinción más alta que RCI otorga a los programas todo incluido ofrecidos por resorts afiliados . Sólo el 14 por ciento de los resorts RCI reciben ésta y se basa en las calificaciones recibidas de miembros de RCI.

Royal Resorts se complace en recibir estos premios de RCI, la principal red de intercambio vacacional en el mundo. Nos esforzamos por la excelencia en todo lo que hacemos y por crear experiencias vacacionales que superen las expectativas de todos nuestros socios y huéspedes.

 

 

Increase in the Municipal Environmental Fee charged to Riviera Maya resort guests

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Increase in the Municipal Environmental Fees charged to Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Riviera Maya resort guests

The Benito Juárez, Puerto Morelos and Solidaridad Municipal Governments have announced an increase in the Environmental Sanitation Tax charged to all hotel and resort guests in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

The fees that will be automatically charged to your account on your next visit to are now as follows:

Room/Jr. Suite $26.89 pesos per night

One-bedroom Suite $26.89 pesos per night

Two-bedroom Villa $53.78 pesos per night

 

This fee is in Mexican pesos and is not covered by the Member Club Service Fee or by REFINE All-Inclusive or European Plan room rates.

The proceeds from the Environmental Tax are used to contribute to environmental protection and sanitation initiatives such as:

  • Beach cleaning, conservation and upkeep
  • Water treatment
  • Waste collection
  • Reduction of carbon emissions
  • Installation of LED lighting

* Reef conservation

  • Reforestation
  • Other programs geared towards making the Mexican Caribbean a sustainable destination

 

 

 

COVID-19 Update

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COVID-19 tests required for travel available at Royal Resorts

Starting on January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require a negative COVID-19 test for passengers flying into the United States. (This applies even if their final destination is another country but they are on a connecting flight, which first enters the United States.)

In an effort to provide the best and most convenient options for our members and guests, Royal Resorts will offer free antigen swab testing for all members and guests starting January 23.  This measure was presented and approved by your Advisory Council Members and Royal Resorts Management.  Testing will be funded by each resort’s cash reserves.

Tests will be available onsite, through certified independent laboratories, at no cost starting January 23 at The Royal Sands and The Royal Haciendas.  It is important to note that free testing is exclusively for Royal Resorts members and guests, is one-time only and  available to those who have no symptoms.  Results are available in 24 hours.  Royal Resorts is not responsible for the results.

Reservations are required for onsite testing.   

If you are staying at Royal Resorts, click here to make reservations for COVID-19 tests.  You will receive an email from the laboratory confirming the day and time.

If you are staying at Grand Residences, please contact the Front Desk or Concierge upon arrival to make arrangements for testing.

Onsite testing will be conducted in the Gran Salon at Hacienda Sisal at The Royal Sands for guests of all Royal Resorts in Cancun, at the former Real Estate Sales Location right below the Tennis Courts at The Royal Haciendas and the business center in the lobby of Grand Residences.

Onsite testing is only available for guests who have no symptoms.  If you have symptoms, you must contact the Front Desk or the Medical Service to make arrangements for in-room testing.

For more details on the CDC order visit:

 

Countries requiring PCR testing

Canada and the UK now require all inbound travelers to show documentation of a negative laboratory test result to the airline prior to boarding their flight. The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction test (PCR test) within 72 hours of their scheduled departure for Canada or the United Kingdom.

Travelers bound for Canada who receive a negative test result and are authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine. In the case of the United Kingdom all inbound passengers must fill in a passenger locator form and self-isolate for 10 days regardless of the test result.

If your country requires a PCR test, this is also available onsite through certified independent laboratories, for a fee of US$100 in Cancun and The Royal Haciendas or US$110 at Grand Residences.

Reservations are required for onsite testing.   

If you are staying at Royal Resorts, click here to make reservations for COVID-19 tests.  You will receive an email from the laboratory confirming the day and time.

If you are staying at Grand Residences, please contact the Front Desk or Concierge upon arrival to make arrangements for testing.

Onsite testing will be conducted in the Gran Salon at Hacienda Sisal at The Royal Sands for guests of all Royal Resorts in Cancun, at the former Real Estate Sales Location right below the Tennis Courts at The Royal Haciendas and the business center in the lobby of Grand Residences.

Onsite testing is only available for guests who have no symptoms.   If you have symptoms, you must contact the Front Desk or the Medical Service to make arrangements for in-room testing.

Reservations for testing

Reservations are required for onsite testing.   

If you are staying at Royal Resorts, click here to make reservations for COVID-19 tests.  You will receive an email from the laboratory confirming the day and time.

If you are staying at Grand Residences, please contact the Front Desk or Concierge upon arrival to make arrangements for testing.

Onsite testing will be conducted in the Gran Salon at Hacienda Sisal at The Royal Sands for guests of all Royal Resorts in Cancun, at the former Real Estate Sales Location right below the Tennis Courts at The Royal Haciendas and the business center in the lobby of Grand Residences.

Onsite testing is only available for guests who have no symptoms.   If you have symptoms, you must contact the Front Desk or the Medical Service to make arrangements for in-room testing.

If you test positive and must quarantine

If you test positive, Royal Resorts will cover the cost of  accommodations and meals from the COVID Recovery Menu for up to 14 days.  Accommodations and meals are covered only for the guest/s who have tested positive and on an availability basis.  We will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and safe while following our Royal Care Standard policy and the instructions issued by the health authorities.

Accommodations for quarantine are subject to availability.  This policy is valid until July 17, 2021.

For more information see our FAQ located in the latest COVID-19 bulletin.

 

All information is subject to change on short notice.

 

 

Looking for tours, always choose the safe option: Thomas More Travel

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Looking for tours, always choose the safe option: Thomas More Travel

With more than 36 years of experience Thomas More Travel is your in-house travel agency with professional knowledgeable staff to take care of all your day trip and transport needs.
Thomas More Travel offers you quality travel services that you can trust. It works with prestigious licensed tour operators that have all the official permits, insurance policies and safety protocols.
Its team of consultants will be your guide to unforgettable vacation experiences in the Mexican Caribbean and the Yucatan. They know the area like the back of their hand and can recommend a variety of tours to suit your budget and interests.
Thomas More Travel offers a collection of tours that no street vendor can compete with. There’s everything from day trips to the Yucatan’s famous archaeological sites to family days out and jungle thrills at the Riviera Maya’s eco and adventure parks; snorkeling and scuba, wildlife watching, island hopping and much more, all available at very competitive prices. Watch for special promotions during the year and you earn Royal Resorts Rewards when booking tours and transport services.
If you would like to go off the beaten track and explore at your own pace, Thomas More Travel offers private tours and can help you create your own sightseeing itinerary.
Thomas More Travel tours and transportation services operate to the highest health and safety standards and have all the official permits and security certifications.
And the best part is that Thomas More Travel consultants are available seven days a week. You can see them at the tour desk in your resort or call whenever you have a question.
If for some reason you have to change your booking or cancel your tour, Thomas More Travel offers flexibility for rescheduling. Its team will always be there to support you.

Beware of beach and street vendors
Buying tours from vendors on the beach, streets or in malls is not recommended. The salesman may seem pleasant enough and the price attractive but it simply isn’t worth it.
Street vendors are unlicensed agents, often operating without official permits or insurance. They do not offer the quality products or the variety of options that your in-house travel agency offers and they won’t be able to help you plan a full sightseeing itinerary, taking care of every detail.
The tours that they sell may be substandard with lax health and safety rules putting you and your family at risk.
As in resort destinations throughout the world, there have been cases of street vendors involved in scams, selling non-existent services and disappearing with their clients’ money. A tour that looked like a bargain may turn out to be an expensive loss if you never hear from the agent again. If you do have a problem with a tour you booked through a beach vendor, be aware that as freelance operators they are difficult to track down and may be unwilling or unable to make changes or reimburse you. If this happens there is very little that your resort can do to help you.

Why take the risk when you have an in-house travel agency to take care of all your travel needs? When looking for tours, always go for reliability and experience, choose Thomas More Travel.

Call ext. 175 or 407
www.thomasmoretravel.com

Royal Resorts wins RCI Gold Crown awards

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Royal Resorts wins RCI Gold Crown awards

The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands, The Royal Islander and The Royal Haciendas have won the RCI Gold Crown 2021 awards for outstanding service and hospitality.

They also received the EIS distinction awarded to resorts that achieve the highest satisfaction ratings from RCI members. This accolade is only awarded to two percent of all the resorts in the RCI resort exchange network worldwide, currently around 4,200+ properties in 110 countries.

Additionally, The Royal Cancun, The Royal Sands and The Royal Haciendas obtained the All Inclusive Premier Distinction 2021, the highest distinction RCI gives to the all-inclusive programs offered by resorts in its exchange network. Only 14 percent of RCI resorts receive this and it is based on ratings received from RCI members.

Royal Resorts is delighted to receive these awards from RCI, the world’s leading vacation exchange network. We strive for excellence in everything we do and in creating vacation experiences that exceed the expectations of all our members and guests.