Bohol to welcome tourists again on December 15

MANILA, Philippines — More tourist destinations in the provinces will accept local tourists again, with Bohol reopening on Dec. 15.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said residents of areas under a more relaxed community quarantine status, such as Metro Manila, could plan their visit to Bohol.

“The hotels are ready, they don’t only have DOT (Department of Tourism) accreditation, but also the UBE or Ultimate Bohol Experience seal. It passed all the stringent health and safety protocols,” Puyat said during a press conference yesterday.

Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap said they are ready to accept visitors in accredited tourist sites and accommodation establishments.

“Many of our people... are very much aware and are on the same boat in recognizing that we cannot delay the reopening of the economy further, especially for a place like Bohol where 78 percent of the economy is based on tourism services,” Yap said.

As the province moves to gradually reopen its doors to tourists, he admitted people should be encouraged to travel. He said local residents should also be convinced that it is safe to accept visitors again.

A negative swab test for coronavirus disease 2019 taken 72 hours before travel, pre-booked accommodation at DOT-accredited and UBE-certified establishments as well as pre-booked transport services and tours from accredited tour operators are the requirements for those planning to visit Bohol.

Bohol had earlier opened its doors to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourists as it hosted the Philippine Travel Exchange through a hybrid event in October.

Puyat said the DOT, through the Tourism Promotions Board, provided a P10-million grant to Bohol for the testing of tourists and workers in the area.

“To make sure that all the people in Bohol, the frontliners are safe,” Puyat said.

Baguio, Boracay, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, El Nido, Coron and Siargao had earlier opened their doors to local tourists in a bid to reinvigorate the local economy.