Tourism generates P149 billion as COVID-19 restrictions eased

MANILA, Philippines — The tourism department has generated P149 billion or $2.6 billion in revenues as of November this year as the government further eases COVID-19 restrictions, including the mandatory wearing of face masks and COVID test for arriving fully vaccinated individuals, Malacañang said yesterday.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recorded 2.46 million international arrivals as of Dec. 19, higher than its target of 1.7 million this year.

The DOT targets 2.6 million international tourist arrivals in a low scenario and 6.4 million in a high scenario, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said in a statement, citing the agency’s yearend report.

The agency, headed by Secretary Christina Frasco, bared its seven-point agenda aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, establishing cohesive digitalization and connectivity, enhancing the country’s overall tourism experience and equalizing product development.

To allow the Philippine tourism sector catch up with its neighboring countries, President Marcos approved the recommendation of the government’s pandemic task force to further relax travel restrictions for inbound travelers.

In a memorandum dated Oct. 28, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the President approved the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF)’s Resolution No. 2, recommending the lifting of pre-departure testing requirement for fully vaccinated arriving passengers, whether Filipino or foreign nationals.

Filipino and foreign nationals are deemed fully vaccinated if they had received the second dose of a two-dose series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin or port of embarkation, according to IATF’s resolution.

On Oct. 28, Marcos issued Executive Order 7 lifting the mandatory wearing of face masks in indoor settings, except in medical facilities and public transportation.

The President issued EO 3 on Sept. 12, allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks outdoors, particularly in open spaces and non-crowded areas with good ventilation.