Cozumel and the Mexican Caribbean is one of the first destinations in the world to receive the new "Safe Travels" safety and hygiene stamp.

The internationally recognized stamp was launched in London, United Kingdom, last week, by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) with the support of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Gloria Guevara, president of the WTCC, congratulated Cozumel and the Mexican Caribbean on being one of the first destinations in the world to implement the new standards, as tourism businesses in the region start to reopen. She said enhanced standards of hygiene are vital to re-establish confidence, so travelers feel they can vacation safely again.

The stamp is awarded to destinations and tourism businesses that are implementing new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as reduced capacities, extra cleaning, the use of face coverings and minimum distances between different groups.

Prior to the Safe Travels recognition, the state of Quintana Roo, where Cozumel is located, also launched its own health certification scheme for the tourism industry called CPPSIT. More than 5,400 businesses have registered for the scheme in less than a month, including hotels, travel agencies, car rental companies, golf clubs, theme parks, tour operators and more.