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Here's a cool trivia: Did you know that Zambales is among the most visited places in Central Luzon?

In 2019, the province welcomed 755,141 tourists equivalent to a whopping P1,919,983,000 in tourist expenditure according to the figures released by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

This year tells a different story, however, as the pandemic has forced cities and provinces across the country to shut down their borders to minimize the spread of the virus.

Now, and after 10 months of lockdown, Zambales gears up to reopen its doors to people from outside the province.

The DOT assured local officials of its assistance that would ensure the smooth implementation of health and safety protocols.

“As with all other destinations, I cannot stress enough the importance of enforcing the health and safety protocols. These should be strengthened through public information and communications campaigns,” said DOT head Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

“Knowing that these guidelines are in place will restore confidence in tourists visiting the province and assurance among the locals who will be welcoming visitors.”

Zambales officials and DOT representatives have discussed strategies and policies in preparation for the province's reopening to tourists.

The province of Zambales is home to many scenic spots such as Subic Bay, Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, Potipot Island, Mt. Pinatubo Volcano Crater, St. Augustine Parish Church, and picturesque diving spots teeming with marine life.

The DOT has agreed to set up a Visitor Management System for Zambales, similar to the Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VIS.I.T.A.) present in Baguio City through the city's Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

Furthermore, the DOT has committed to extending financial assistance to initiatives to help tourism workers in the province affected by the pandemic.

“The financial assistance program now extends to beneficiaries of both the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)'s SAP (Social Amelioration Program) and DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment)'s CAMP (COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program) under BAYANIHAN 1; workers of affected establishments that implemented Flexible Work Arrangements or Alternative Work Schemes; and Local Government Unit-Licensed Secondary Tourism Enterprises," said Puyat.

"Please get in touch with our Regional Office. Of course, we want to give it to as many people working in the tourism industry as possible."

The DOT has encouraged provinces and cities to open to tourism gradually to ensure the safety of the general public.

The past few months have seen the resumption of tourism activities in several locations such as Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Laguna, Baguio, Boracay, Samar, and Coron and El Nido in Palawan, among others.

Meanwhile, celebrities have also started to take quick vacations around the country. Look at their getaways in the gallery below: