After opening to residents, resort owners in Zambales want to accept tourists

The Silanguin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales is a favorite tourist destination in the province before the pandemic struck. A group of resort and campsite owners in the town has been asking the provincial government to allow them to accept tourists outside the province to recover their losses. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales –– An association of resort owners here has appealed to the provincial government to allow it to accept tourists from outside the province.

The Association of Pundaquit Resorts, Campsites, Cottage Owners, and Ferry Boat Owners in Barangay Pundaquit here said it wanted to recover their foregone revenues.

Marites Marinas, secretary of the association, said although they have been allowed to accommodate residents as guests, many of their members have been preparing for the reopening of local tourism to non-residents with the proper health protocols in place.

Marinas said they have also been asking the local government to permit them to allow island hopping for residents.

“We are also asking assistance to lessen our financial burden, particularly the expenses in conducting COVID-19 tests. We promise to follow the guidelines and health protocols based on the requirements of the Department of Tourism,” Marinas told the Inquirer.

In the past, around 600,000 tourists visited the province each year. Many of them came to this town, which is known for its beaches and coves.

Maria Domitela Mora, provincial tourism officer, said popular destinations in Zambales remained closed to non-residents. INQ

Photo attached.

The Silanguin Cove in San Antonio, Zambales is a favorite tourist destination in the province before the pandemic struck. A group of resort and campsite owners in the town has been asking the provincial government to allow them to accept tourists from outside the province to recover their losses. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

ZB