Batanes studies gradual reopening to tourists: governor

MANILA— The local government of Batanes is seeking to reopen its doors to tourists soon, even as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic persists.

At a press conference on Saturday, Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco said the local pandemic task force agreed to reopen the province to tourists as long as they meet minimum health standards, such as a 14-day quarantine.

But officials will have to assess the situation of tourists coming from areas like Metro Manila, the epicenter of the virus, and other cities to determine which visitors will be allowed, he said.

“I said, we will evaluate for December. We will observe the situation in Manila and other provinces so that when it improves, it can also gradually open up because it has affected many of this pandemic, especially in the tourism industry,” Cayco said.

(We will evaluate in December. We will examine the situation [in other cities] so when things get better, we can gradually open [to tourism] because many were affected during the pandemic, especially in the tourism industry).

Batanes is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, known for its picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere that offer respite for city dwellers.

The country’s northernmost province has only recorded two cases since the pandemic began in March. Now that both patients have recovered, Cayco said the province is “COVID-free” again.

In September, a group of travel agencies said that Filipinos who have been to several confinements since March want to visit Batanes, Boracay and Bohol.

The tourism industry is among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 lockdowns, as the government sought to limit mobility and prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Prior to this, some tourist spots such as Boracay and Baguio City have reopened to tourists as long as visitors follow quarantine procedures and present documents as proof that they are fit to travel.

The Philippines has counted 391,809 coronavirus cases as of Friday.