Bohol plans to reopen doors in October; tourism protocols drafted

Bohol hopes to welcome tourists again as it plans to reopen its doors to visitors in October.

According to Ian Cruz’s report on “24 Oras,” tourism protocols are now being drafted for Bohol, which is part of the so-called “tourist bubble” or provinces with low to no coronavirus disease cases.

The report said only 85,000 tourists were able to visit the province this year, which amounted to about Php 1-billion loss.

“So we will talk to the governor kung saan siya komportable magbukas ng other provinces. So it’s more of the comfort level of each of the LGU, kung saan siya kumportable, kung saang probinsya siya magbubukas,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat.

“It feels good that Bohol is being identified by the honorable secretary to be the second on the line for opening and we are looking forward to that under strict health protocols,” said provincial tourism officer Josephine Remolador-Cabarrus.

Puyat also said Panglao Island in Bohol remained without COVID-19 cases.

However, before tourists can enter the province, they must first undergo a PCR test. Businesses and establishments must also comply with the health protocols.

“They need to comply because this is the new normal. They cannot be given a certificate of authority to operate if they don’t have that,” said Remolador-Cabarrus.

Boracay and Baguio City are also set to open their doors to tourists with certain limitations and under strict health protocols starting October. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News