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Department of Tourism checks in on Palawan’s preparations to reopen for tourism

L-R Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, El Nido Mayor Edna Lim, Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, and Ten Knots Development Corporation COO Javier Hernandez in front of the El Nido backdrop after the site inspection. I DOT Photo

Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat checked the readiness of one of the Philippines’ most sought after destinations—Palawan on Friday, July 3 as the country continues to eye the recovery of one its major drivers of the economy.

The tourism chief met with local officials and tourism stakeholders to discuss the recovery of the tourism industry in Palawan. Secretary Puyat said that the DOT wants to restart tourism to help businesses and workers cope with the losses brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Health and safety remains the top priority as tourism reopens in Palawan as discussed by Tourism Secretary Puyat, Governor Alvarez and El Nido Mayor Edna Lim (right). I DOT Photo

Three tourist destinations in Northern Palawan – Coron, El Nido, and San Vicente, incurred losses amounting to P3.1 billion in tourism revenues which resulted in upwards of 14,000 displaced 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 Governor Jose Alvarez announced the decision to soon allow tourism in their province.

Tourism Secretary Puyat meets the members of the media via a virtual press conference to discuss the destination’s tourism recovery. I DOT Photo

“The Department of Tourism sees domestic travel as the catalyst to reviving our industry. We are happy that Governor Alvarez had earlier expressed his intention to reopen tourism in the province as early as possible, and we will be pleased to work with you towards recovery every step of the way,” said Puyat.

Palawan Governor Alvarez echoed Puyat’s sentiments in ensuring health and safety for these areas before opening up for tourism.

Immediate plans for the health and safety protocol dry run in El Nido are already set, followed by San Vicente. At the same time, Coron awaits its real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machines before further plans for reopening.

Also in the meeting were Representatives Franz Alvarez and Gil Acosta, and El Nido Mayor Edna Lim, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, and San Vicente Mayor Amy Alvarez.

Tourism Secretary Puyat scans a Quick Response (QR) code for check-in procedures as tourism establishments adapt to digitalization and new normal. DOT Photo

Meanwhile, Puyat reminded the tourism players present that the safety and health of guests and tourism workers must not be compromised in the resumption of tourism operations. The DOT chief 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 (MGCQ) since June 1 with tourism and leisure activities allowed at 50%.

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