Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Puyat reminded the reopening of tourist spots must not be rushed amid preparations to revitalize tourism industry which was greatly hit by the pandemic.
In response to the threat of COVID-19 amid easing of protocols in areas under quarantine, the tourism department is now eyeing the adoption of travel bubble and travel corridors which are practiced in other countries.
The measure will establish an opening between a specific place in the Philippines which is considered as a COVID-free zone and a similar place in the country and abroad.
“Ang main concern kasi ng turista ngayon, domestic man o international, is “is it safe? (The main concern of tourists now, domestic or international, is if it is safe),” Puyat said.
“Siempre kahit na walang COVID, iche-check muna natin ‘yung health protocols. Just in case may pumasok, walang temperature tapos during the stay nagka-temperature, ano yung protocols na gagawin (Even without COVID, we have to check the health protocols. Just in case someone comes in without issues in temperature then will have one during the stay, what are the protocols that need to be done?),” she added.
Authorities proposed that places usually visited by tourists must have their own COVID-19 testing laboratories to check the status of visitors and determine whether to place them under a 14-day quarantine or not.
Meanwhile, the DOT and tourism groups have laid out guidelines in preparation for the resumption of domestic and international flights.
