The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the resumption of travel and other tourism-related activities in areas now placed under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), as it also hopes that this will help the tourism sector recover from the effects of the quarantine enforced to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“It’s important for the tourism sector to open as soon as possible, albeit slowly, gradually and cautiously, so that those who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to work and earn again,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
“Travel for tourism purposes may be allowed between places under MGCQ subject to travel restrictions imposed by LGUs.”
According to DOT, travel for tourism purposes may be allowed between places under MGCQ subject to travel restrictions imposed by the local government units (LGUs). Only essential non-leisure travel between GCQ to MGCQ areas or vice-versa is allowed.
Tourist destinations may also re-open during the MGCQ subject to LGU’s approval, however, only accredited tourism establishments with Certificate of Authority to Operate are allowed to open during the said period.
“Accommodation establishments must adhere to the guidelines on updated health and safety protocols.”
“Accommodation establishments must adhere to the guidelines on updated health and safety protocols in the operations of accommodation establishments (AEs) under the new normal scenario recently released by the DOT expounding on the operations of AEs in the areas of guest handling; reception and concierge; rooms and housekeeping; food and beverage service; kitchen sanitation and disinfection; public areas; and hotel and transport service, among others,” the DOT said.
Meanwhile, Romulo-Puyat urged tourism stakeholders to closely coordinate with their respective LGUs to ensure a seamless transition, adherence to national and local protocols, and assess the actual readiness of their areas to support the resumption of tourism activities.