DOT Praises El Nido Travel Bubble Expansion Beginning Oct. 30

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Saturday welcomed the decision of El Nido, the municipality of Palawan to ease travel restrictions as of October 30, allowing tourists to enter the island under a policy of trial before travel.

The Secretary of Tourism, Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, during the agency’s meeting with the local government of Palawan for the expansion of the province’s tourism bubble, congratulated El Nido officials for moving to the second phase of the Palawan bubble. province trips.

But he said tourists must undergo the RT-PCR test and obtain negative results at least 72 hours before the trip.

“The reopening of the tourism industry is gradually gaining momentum, especially after the news about the reopening of Boracay and the Ridge and Reef travel bubble between Baguio and the Region 1 provinces,” said Puyat.

“Considering that Palawan’s El Nido has been consistently voted the best island in the world, I would also like to see El Nido be seen as part of the industry renaissance.”

Puyat noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has cost El Nido P3.2 billion in visitor revenue and displaced 5,997 of its tourism workers.

Back in July, the head of tourism visited El Nido to conduct inspections among tourist establishments to ensure their compliance with DOT health and safety guidelines.

He also consulted with local leaders and stakeholders to align with DOT’s so-called slow but sure strategy to boost national tourism.

“There are 9 establishments so far that have obtained a certificate of authority (COA) to operate from the DOT and that can begin to host guests,” he said.

After successfully complying with the protocols established by the DOT, the El Nido Resorts group was the first tourist establishment in Palawan to obtain a CAO and to reopen its doors to tourists from outside the province through the travel bubble strategy. .

Since July, Manila guests who tested negative for RT-PCR have been able to board all 8 flights to Lio Airport via Airswift and stay at one of the resort chain’s island locations.

Following the successful runs of the travel bubble strategy between Manila and El Nido, Puyat said the DOT is now taking further steps to increase visitor confidence and awareness of Palawan’s readiness in terms of medical services and facilities. , as well as emergency response protocols.