What to expect when Bohol and Boracay reopen
After suffering a devastating blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in the Philippines is finally beginning its slow recovery by resuming tourism in select places during the last quarter of the year, including Bohol and Boracay.
The beautiful island of Boracay / Source: Alexey Komarov (Wikipedia)
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has just announced that the paradise island of Boracay will be opening its doors to more tourists beginning October 1.
Last June 16, travelers from Western Visayas were already allowed to enter Boracay. But starting October 1, local tourists from other regions under the general community quarantine will also be granted entry to Boracay, given that they get a negative RT-PCR result before traveling to the island.
In a statement, DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat detailed the “Test Before Travel” policy that will be implemented as part of the 'new normal' in Boracay.LINK:
“Targeting a safe and calibrated resumption of tourism business and operations, several measures have been prescribed by the Task Force, which include a Test Before Travel requiring a negative RT-PCR result 48 to 72 hours prior to traveling to Boracay.
“Also, travelers will be advised to go on a strict quarantine immediately after a test and until the time of travel to the island.”
Although they're implementing this new strict protocol, Boracay has relaxed the age restriction in their island. Beginning October 1, they will be allowing travelers below 21 years old and above 60 years of age to enter Boracay, so long as they have no comorbidity.
The Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Municipality of Malay has been assigned as the only airport of entry for tourists.
And aside from enforcing stringent health and safety measures, Boracay also now has an operational COVID-19 laboratory at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan
So far, DOT has already issued Certificates of Authority to Operate (CAO) to 199 hotels and resorts representing 4,416 rooms in Boracay.
The world-famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol / Source: Pexels
On the other hand, the province of Bohol has not announced a formal date for its reopening yet, but they're also preparing to welcome both local and international tourists during the last quarter of the year.
In fact, Bohol is this year's host for the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the biggest annual travel trade event organized by the Tourism Promotions Board.
During the PHITEX event, the details of the 'new normal' in traveling in Bohol were unveiled by Bohol Governor Arthur Yap and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones.
According to them, tourists who will visit Bohol would be required to download a mobile app or get a card with a QR code as soon as they arrive at the airport.
These will be used for contact tracing and also for making hotel reservations, transportation bookings, availing of tours and day trips, purchasing stuff online, and also buying meals and souvenirs.
Bohol also plans to launch “travel bubbles and corridors,” which means they will be granting entry to visitors from selected safe areas or countries and manage their movement, so that they only travel point-to-point to pre-accredited establishments.
The local government of Bohol has also instituted the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) Seal, which is a stamp of validation awarded to tourism establishments that comply with health, safety, and sanitation protocols.
Some of the trips to famous tourist attractions in Bohol have been modified to adapt to the 'new normal', including the countryside tour to the Loboc River cruise, Man-made Forest in Bilar and the world-famous Chocolate Hills in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.
Moreover, Panglao island is being primed as a safe travel destination, since it has reported low to zero COVID-19 cases.
They mostly credit this to their coastal spotting system responsible for monitoring traffic in and out of the island, the Oplan Kalasag ni Dagohoy.
In his speech during the PHITEX opening ceremony, Governor Arthur Yap said, “We are charting our course and trying our best to balance showcasing the beauty and the bounty of our waters and land as well as paying homage to our culture of faith, patriotism, and the creative arts alongside the need to ensure the safety of our visitors and our constituents.”
“Only when we can be sure that we can safeguard the health of the visitors and locals alike, will we attempt to open up tourism in measured steps, one day at a time.”
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