Health measures must be in place to ensure safety of tourists amid COVID-19 pandemic — Palace

Malacañang on Friday called for a safe reopening of the tourism industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The President’s marching order is to gradually reopen the economy, including the tourism sector, with the assurance that health and safety measures are in place,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is working with the local government units (LGUs) “as they determine when tourism operations would resume in their respective areas.”

He cited Baguio City, which will welcome tourists from the Ilocos Region beginning September 21

“We must, however, emphasize that there must be proper and close coordination between the national government and the LGUs regarding the implementation of health and safety protocols when traveling,” Roque said.

A survey conducted by the DOT in May showed that 77% of Filipinos said they were willing to travel locally once the restrictions are lifted.

Boracay, Siargao and Baguio topped the list of target destinations. Aside from the proximity of the destination, respondents also mentioned health and safety as their main considerations.

Most of the 12,000 respondents said they prefer activities with limited face-to-face interaction to reduce the risk of getting the coronavirus. — RSJ, GMA News