Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
On 28 April 2020, Department of Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat discussed the “new normal” for the Philippine tourism industry in the midst of COVID-19. During the House Committee on Tourism’s virtual hearing, Puyat also highlighted that foreign travel would be highly unlikely even after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine.
“International travel might not happen this year,” she said. “At this point in time, travelling [abroad] is but a dream.”
Also read: 5 Ways You Can Support the Local Tourism Scene After COVID-19
According to the DOT Secretary, steps for the “new normal” will be implemented until a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed.
Here are several points that Romulo outlined during the hearing:
While the DOT has given us an idea of what Philippine tourism will be like, local air carriers have also started taking steps to establish a “new normal” for air travel.
Since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Philippine airlines have suspended regular flight operations. But as they slowly get up and running, what exactly can we expect?
The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines has been studying how best to adopt new measures in light of COVID-19. Here are a few things we can anticipate:
In line with this, AirAsia has also set “new normal” rules in order to ensure safe air travel. Here are some of the guidelines they’ve set for their flights:
Given the ongoing global situation, it looks like we’ll have to keep our international travel plans on hold for the immediate future. But despite the heartbreak that comes with having to bid foreign trips goodbye for the time being, we still see a silver lining. We are grateful to hear that the necessary agencies are taking steps to ensure everyone’s safety while travelling.
And while there’s still no word on limits set for travelling within the country, we can’t help but think it’s finally the time to put the spotlight on domestic travel. As you plan (or simply entertain the idea of) your next trip, we urge you to choose local. It’s about time we set out to explore the Philippines’ provinces and all they have to offer, don’t you think?
Also read: Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, We Still Believe in Travel
This may be a difficult time for travel, but we have no doubt that the tourism industry will be able to recover eventually. Meanwhile, keep safe and don’t lose hope! Trust that we’ll make travel happen soon.
Featured image credit: Department of Transportation – Philippines | Official Facebook page.
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