DOT visits Baguio ahead of possible reopening of city to NCR Plus tourists

The Department of Tourism (DOT) inspected tourist attractions in Baguio amid the possibility of allowing tourists from NCR Plus to visit the city.

In Ian Cruz’s “24 Oras Weekend” report on Sunday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that they are hoping that the IATF will allow tourists to visit the city again.

“We are praying that if the number of COVID-19 cases continue to lessen and we have the go signal of [the Department of Health], by June 1, they’ll receive visitors from NCR Plus,” she said.

Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, said that they do allow visitors but only if they follow the right protocols.

The DOT, together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), also gave financial aid to employees in the city's tourism sector who have been affected by the pandemic.

To visit Baguio, tourists should pass by the checkpoint after the Rosario, La Union Toll Plaza to get a pass-through card.

Upon arrival in Baguio, visitors should go straight to the triage area to submit their PCR test and QR codes from Baguio Visita.

Apart from NCR Plus visitors, tourists from other regions should also bring the results of their antigen test or get tested at the triage area.

Last Friday, the Palace announced that staycations in DOT-accredited areas are now allowed in GCQ areas with 30% capacity and age restrictions.

With this, the tourism department is also hoping that the age restrictions will be lifted soon. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News