Bermuda has earned a global stamp of approval for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and a high level of health and safety protocols across its tourism industry.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has designated Bermuda a “Safe Travels” destination, under a programme that recognises governments, destinations and companies that have adopted health and hygiene standards recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control.

It means Bermuda will be allowed to use the council’s globally recognised “Safe Travels” stamp.

The designation came after an application to the WTTC by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

BTA interim CEO Glenn Jones said: “Bermuda has taken safety seriously since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and is emerging as a top-of-mind destination for consumers ready to embrace travel again.

“Our community continues to enhance and elevate its protocols, protecting residents, while at the same time responsibly welcoming travellers to fully enjoy and experience the island.”

Mr Jones added: “Bermuda is close, safe and clean. That’s the message we are sending to the world — and the science and metrics bear it out.”

The BTA began the WTTC application process in June after gathering guidelines across tourism industry sectors.

It led to the production of the Tourism Health & Safety Guide, which aims to raise awareness among about Bermuda’s management of the pandemic.

The BTA will use the endorsement and designation in its overseas marketing to consumers ready to travel again.

Tourism-related businesses will be able to display the stamp to demonstrate that their business is safe.

The Centres for Disease Control improved the island’s ranking to Level 2 this month, making Bermuda one of only four places in the world assessed with a “moderate” Covid-19 risk level.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK has allowed British residents returning from Bermuda to forego a 14-day quarantine imposed on travellers coming back from many other regions.