Zambales backtracks: Only tourists aged 15-65 allowed entry

The town of San Antonio in Zambales was among the most frequented tourist destinations in the province before the pandemic because of its beaches and coves. Zambales will resume accepting tourists from low-risk areas by May 28, but with age restrictions. Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales –– Only tourists aged 15 to 65 would be allowed to visit this province starting May 28, the tourism office said on Sunday, May 23.

A previous version of the guidelines issued by the provincial tourism office showed that families from the same households may bring children 6 years old and above and senior citizens with no comorbidities when visiting Zambales.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the confusion it may have caused,” read an announcement on its Facebook page

On Friday, May 21, the tourism office said it would resume accepting tourists from areas on a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) with strict health protocols in place.

Operators of tourism-related establishments welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “real game-changer” because not allowing minors would be a “huge loss of opportunity.”

Before the pandemic, the province has become one of the most visited destinations in Central Luzon, with around 600,000 tourists per year.

Many people dependent on tourism continue to struggle since the resorts were closed for over a year, and since the reopening comes after the peak season.

LZB