Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat assured strict safety measures will be implemented when domestic tourism reopens in Cebu.
Romulo-Puyat made this clear after some netizens expressed concern the reopening of tourism in the area will lead to an upturn in COVID-19 cases.
But Puyat said they are "closely working with the provincial government of Cebu and LGUs all over the region and are in agreement that stringent health and safety measures are conditions to reopening.”
The tourism chief also stressed Cebu's travel destinations will only take in locals just like in Bohol, Boracay, Baguio, and Palawan.
Areas under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) will still be closed for tourism, she added.
Cebu City is classified under MECQ until July 31.
Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Consolacion, and Minglanilla are under general community quarantine (GCQ) but the rest of the province is now under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), which allows the partial reopening of tourism.
Last July 15, Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia met with tourism operators, resort owners, and local town mayors to discuss the partial resumption of tourism activities in areas under MGCQ.
Cebu’s Provincial Information Office also announced the local government is now developing an online booking portal for tour packages.
A local report said canyoneering, whale shark and thresher shark watching, as with snorkeling among tourism activities that will be allowed in areas under MGCQ.