29,000 tourism workers in Metro Manila vaxxed

MANILA, Philippines — Almost all employees of tourism establishments in Metro Manila have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported yesterday.

Over 29,000 tourism workers in the metropolis have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to DOT National Capital Region director Woodrow Maquiling Jr.

Maquiling thanked Metro Manila mayors for helping the DOT in vaccinating tourism workers.

Last Tuesday, the DOT and the Makati government hosted a two-day webinar that tackled how tourism businesses in the city could prepare for the new normal.

In her speech, Mayor Abby Binay said the government, academe and the DOT should “cooperate to kickstart the recovery of Makati’s tourism industry.”

The DOT has been pushing for the creation of more programs that would give power to local government units and would utilize digital means in tourism-related activities, according to Maquiling.

“We have to reinforce the idea that tourism is and will always be one of the most resilient sectors,” he said. “Businesses should rebuild confidence among consumers, encouraging them to go out again and spend on leisure and eventually travel.”

The DOT said outdoor tourism attractions and personal care services are allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity while Metro Manila remains Alert Level 4 for COVID-19.

Staycation and other social gatherings are still prohibited.