When Tourism Will Start in Philippines?

By Robert Palmer

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the tourism industry worldwide, including the Philippines. Since the outbreak of the virus, travel restrictions have been implemented, and countries have closed their borders to mitigate its spread.

As of now, there is no exact date as to when tourism will start in the Philippines. However, various measures are being taken to ensure a safe and secure reopening of the industry.

Current Situation

As of June 2021, international travel to the Philippines is still restricted. Only Filipino citizens, their spouses and children, foreign diplomats, and medical professionals are allowed to enter the country. Also, domestic travel has been limited only to essential purposes.

The Roadmap to Recovery

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is continuously working on a recovery plan for the tourism industry in the country. This recovery plan includes health and safety protocols that aim to protect both tourists and locals from COVID-19.

Under this recovery plan, DOT launched a campaign called “Wake Up in PH” that aims to promote local tourism. The campaign encourages Filipinos to explore their own country’s beauty while ensuring their safety by following health protocols strictly.

Tourism Reopening Guidelines

To guarantee a safe reopening of tourism activities in the Philippines, DOT has released guidelines for accommodation establishments (AEs) such as hotels and resorts. These guidelines include frequent sanitation and disinfection procedures of common areas such as lobbies and elevators. It also mandates AEs to provide hand sanitizers in various places within their premises.

Moreover, DOT has also released guidelines for tour operators that include mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields during tours. Operators must also limit tour group sizes depending on local government regulations.

The Future Outlook

The future outlook for Philippine tourism is still uncertain as it depends on how fast vaccination programs can be rolled out worldwide. However, the DOT is optimistic that the country’s tourism industry will recover eventually.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive date for the reopening of tourism in the Philippines, various measures are being taken to ensure a safe and secure recovery of the industry. The DOT’s recovery plan and guidelines for AEs and tour operators are clear indications that the government is putting in place measures to protect both tourists and locals against COVID-19.