The tourism industry took a heavy hit because of the pandemic. In turn, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is pulling out all the stops to help traveling within the country safer. As per PhilStarLife.com, as of September 10, the DOT has managed to inoculate nearly 50% of tourism workers in select destinations across the archipelago.
“The vaccination of our tourism workers will add another layer of protection for guests and staff, on top of continued adherence to health and safety protocols,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. “Vaccinating our tourism workers is the only way we can continue to sustain the recovery of domestic tourism, especially with the presence of a new virus variant.”
She then added that the tourism department intends for 100% inoculation of tourism workers across the country “hopefully before Christmas.”
The holiday destinations the DOT is concentrating on includes Boracay, Baguio City, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Batanas and Aurora. This list also includes multiple areas in Palawan such as San Vicente, Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa. Bohol, Bukidnon, Camiguin, and Siargao are also part of DOT’s priority list.
Given that most of these destinations heavily rely on tourism for economic activity, it’s only understanding how the tourism department is doing what it can in order to revive the industry. Unfortunately, a lot of resorts and hotels have had to close their doors amid the pandemic. That’s why it’s important for Filipinos to support local travel once they feel it’s safer to do so.
To put things into perspective, global tourism incurred a total of $4 trillion loss because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, if you feel the need to break out of your cabin fever, it’d be recommended you explore the wonders the country has to offer first.
