DOT releases new plans, guidelines for reopening domestic tourism

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is getting ready for the tourism sector to reopen post-lockdown. Following the May 20 Senate hearing, the government agency presented its Tourism Response and Recovery Plan (TRRP), a set of protocols, programs and activities that will aid the revival of the tourism industry and empowerment of workers and businesses. The TRRP is crafted with the help of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, local government units, national agencies and the Tourism Congress of the Philippines.

The plan will also generate jobs for locals especially in areas where tourism is a primary source of income. It will also be implemented in smaller tourist attractions and destinations “where activities can be contained and better managed.” 

Once these areas are under modified general community quarantine, residents from neighboring vicinities under general community quarantine can visit the tourist destinations and attractions. Tourists from other locations must follow the LGU guidelines and protocols before and upon entering the place.

 The following guidelines will be mandated in the areas for tourists, workers and businesses:

  • Regular sanitation and disinfection of accommodation (hotels, resorts, etc.), tourist transport services and tourism-related establishments such as meeting and exhibit venues, restaurants and spas
  • Provision of sanitation/disinfection devices, including PPEs, for tourism workers
  • Regular inspections of tourism establishments that will involve relevant agencies in relation to health and safety standards such as the DOH
  • Implementation of physical distancing measures for tourist transportation and limiting customer capacity of accommodation and tourism-related enterprises

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