The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “bubble strategy” to gradually reopen and jump-start the domestic tourism industry is already underway, with Baguio City and Ilocos Region, Boracay and Western Visayas, Palawan, and many more areas in the country already reopening for travelers.
But the requirement for tourists to undergo first an RT-PCR test before travel discourages many from visiting tourism destinations because getting one is already a cost on top of other travel expenses, such as accommodation and airfare.
As travel restrictions are starting to relax and to encourage more tourists to really go out and visit their favorite destinations, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat appeals for a price cap on RT-PCR and antigen tests for COVID-19 to make traveling more affordable.
“While the DOT acknowledges and puts paramount importance on the safety of visitors, locals, and the tourism workforce, the department likewise finds it imperative to address the urgent need to impose a price cap on these accepted COVID-19 testing methods to promote domestic tourism, which in turn can generate employment and stimulate economic recovery,” she said.
Puyat has already asked for cooperation among the Department of Health-accredited testing facilities to make the tests more affordable.
“We likewise appeal to the accredited test centers to provide budget-friendly but credible COVID-19 diagnostic tests,” Puyat said.
The IATF-EID has authorized the DOT to take the helm in accrediting procedures, facilities, and activities, as well as determining the operating capacities for tourism establishments.
IATF’s Resolution No. 79 has relaxed interzonal and intrazonal travel restrictions, but with prescribed minimum health standards amid the public health challenges posed by COVID-19.
