DOT upbeat on tourism growth with eased COVID restrictions

File photo shows tourists on a stretch of white sand beach in Panglao Island, Bohol.  (LEO UDTOHAN)

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday welcomed the expected tourism boost in areas which will be under  COVID-19 Alert Level 1 by Tuesday, March 1.

In a statement, the DOT said that the shift to Alert Level 1 will help enhance travel and tourism activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 “The Department welcomes this development as it not only indicates that we are well on our way to recovery, but is also a testament to the all the work and sacrifices we have made to reach this point,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.  

Puyat said that traveling between places under Alert Level 1 status, such as Baguio, Boracay, the Ilocos region, Aurora, Batanes, Laguna, Puerto Princesa City, Bacolod, Guimaras, Camiguin, and Davao City, is now “easier and more convenient.”

 “The DOT anticipates with optimism the revival of many tourism jobs and opportunities that were once lost to the pandemic,” the tourism chief added. 

Although health declaration forms are no longer required, individuals aged 18 and above are still required to show proof of full vaccination before entry to the establishments and venues such as tourist attractions.

To aid in the complete rehabilitation of the badly impacted tourism sector, Puyat emphasized that existing guidelines established by local government units having jurisdiction over tourist destinations should be followed.

Metro Manila and 38 other areas will be under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 by Tuesday, March 1.    – Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net trainee

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