Baguio City loses P1.6B in gross revenue due to COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City lost about P1.6 billion in gross revenue in tourism, and tourism-related industries due to the coronavirus pandemic, city mayor Benjamin Magalong said Thursday.

Citing a study conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), Magalong said the tourism industry and other related sectors lost about 70% to 78% of revenue from April to June.

The city also lost about P555 million in labor income from the same period.

“From April to June, ang losses namin, in terms of labor, ay P555 million,” Magalong said.

“In terms of gross revenue, P1.6 billion ang nawala doon sa sub-sector na related sa tourism industry,” he added.

By September, Baguio City will open its doors to tourists but not Metro Manila, which is considered the epicenter of the pandemic in the country.

The city would only open up its parks and cool climate to visitors from the Ilocos region once it revives tourism.

EDV