EL NIDO, PALAWAN: Eyeing tourism recovery in the reopening of more destinations, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat checked the readiness of one of the country’s favorite destinations — Palawan.
The tourism chief consulted with local officials and tourism stakeholders to discuss the recovery of the tourism industry in the province. Puyat said the Department of Tourism (DoT) wants to restart tourism in the province but wants the process to be “slow but sure.”
Puyat said the DOT was trying to restart local tourism economies to help businesses and workers cope with the losses because of the pandemic.
Three tourist destinations in Northern Palawan — Coron, El Nido and San Vicente — incurred P3.1 billion in tourism losses, directly resulting in the displacement of some 14,000 tourism workers.
The tourism chief reiterated the DoT’s thrust to promote domestic tourism, adding that the department would provide the necessary assistance to the province after Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez announced the decision to soon allow tourism in the province.
Alvarez echoed Puyat’s sentiments in ensuring health and safety for these areas before opening up for tourism.
Meanwhile, Puyat reminded tourism stakeholders that the safety and health of guests and tourism workers should not be compromised in the resumption of tourism operations. She added that only DOT-accredited establishments with Certificates of Authority to operate will be allowed to reopen.
Palawan has been under modified general community quarantine since June 1, with tourism and leisure activities allowed at 50 percent.
Read More:DoT chief checks Palawan’s tourism readiness – The Manila Times
