Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Saturday welcomed the resumption of travel and other activities in places under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), hoping this could pave the eventual recovery of the tourism sector
“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.
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 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 agency 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. (PNA)
