Bohol may reopen to tourists in November — governor

The province of Bohol will reopen to tourists from across the country possibly in November, according to Governor Arthur Yap.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Thursday, Yap said the local government will discuss the reopening with the Department of Tourism and related industries concerning protocols.

“Possibly, baka November baka unahin namin 'yung mga events muna. Kasi sa tingin namin mas mabilis mag-kontrol ng events kung may training, may team building, may mga kasal,” Yap said.

“Baka gawin muna namin MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions)—'yung mga convention, incentive trips, ‘yung mga ganun,” he added.

Only Panglao Island will be initially opened for tourists, Yap said. According to him, this will serve as a trial to determine effective measures that they can also implement in more destinations when they open.

The tourism in Bohol opened on June 21 but for the residents of the province only, Yap said.

“Pinag-aaralan namin ho 'yan ngayon. Alam namin nagbukas na yata ang Boracay at Baguio, so tinatanong kami kung kailan kami magbubukas,” Yap said.

“Kailangan ibalik ko muna sa medical sector namin. Meron kaming Bohol IATF dito, nandoon 'yung medical at security clusters namin so pag-uusapan namin 'yung magiging protocol,” he added.

Bohol now has below 70 active cases of COVID-19, according to Yap. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News