Philippines, among 100 countries awarded with 'Safe Travels' stamp
It seems like the tourism industry in the country is slowly getting back on its feet after taking a hard hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Philippines receives the 100th 'Safe Travels' stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The WTTC awards the 100th 'Safe Travels' stamp to the Philippines / Source: WTTC
The 'Safe Travels' stamp was launched by WTTC earlier this year, becoming the world's first ever global safety and hygiene stamp.
It is granted to governments and companies worldwide that have adopted the health and hygiene global standardized protocols, which follow the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
WTTC's 'Safe Travels' stamp aims to restore confidence in travelers and help the beaten down travel sector recover.
This innovative initiative has also received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In a statement, WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevarra said, “We are delighted to see our innovative initiative is proving such a great success and is being used by destinations from all corners of the globe.
“The 100 destinations which now proudly use the stamp are working together to help rebuild consumer confidence worldwide.
“We welcome the Philippines, an incredible destination and home to some of the world's most beautiful islands, as our 100th destination, as well as other popular destinations around the globe such as Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia and Kenya.”
Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat also expressed her joy and gratitude over the great news.
“The Philippine Department of Tourism is delighted to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, particularly as we pursue the safe and gradual reopening of our tourist destinations.
“I wish to thank WTTC for recognizing our efforts of putting in place policies concerning health, safety and sanitation protocols, which we have benchmarked with global best practices and aligned with WTTC's standards.
“The Safe Travels stamp will further encourage our stakeholders to adhere to health and safety standards, and will also help us rebuild traveler confidence, so we can restart tourism and preserve and sustain jobs.”
Despite still having most places in the country under quarantine, some local government units are already gearing up towards reopening, including Boracay and Bohol.
Chocolate Hills in Bohol / Soure: Pexels
Both provinces are now preparing for the 'new normal' that they would be implementing as soon as they open their doors to more tourists during the last quarter of the year.
This 'new normal' in traveling will involve undergoing COVID-19 tests before traveling to Bohol and Boracay and other safety protocols, which would ensure that tourists get to experience 'safe travels' when they go to said destinations and other parts of the Philippines that will soon reopen.
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