BAGUIO CITY – The Summer Capital plans to gradually re-open tourism, with regulated, controlled entry and monitored movement, by September, the city tourism office said in a post on social media.
City Tourism Officer Engr. Aloysius Mapalo said tourists will be required to pre-register through the Baguio VIS.I.T.A. (Visitor Information & Travel Assistance), an online registration system to help the city operation center for list of tourist wish to visit the city.
Mapalo said, once the tourist registers online, they will see the guidelines on how to proceed.
Among them is a requirement to pre-book accommodation, preferably through accredited tour operators, and they should declare their itinerary.
It is also required that upon entry, tourists will undergo mandatory triage and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, the expense for which would be shouldered by the tourist. The tourist will also have to stay in the hotel until the results are released.
The movement of the tourist shall be closely monitored by tour operator or hotel management.
Aside from the guidelines set for the tourists, the Tour Operators (TO) and Hotels also have to follow certain guidelines set by the city such as: only those with Department of Tourism (DOT)-issued Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) can accommodate guests; TOs and hotels must require guests to register prior to travel through Baguio VIS.I.T.A.; hotels must ensure observance of health and safety protocols.
Mapalo also said that city tourism managers must also ensure regulated and controlled entry and real-time monitoring of tourists’ itinerary through the Baguio VIS.I.T.A.; to ensure efficiency of triage and testing process, with supporting health care systems and centers in place; to ensure protection of personal data and information of tourists; to ensure updated advisories and timely information dissemination relevant and important to locals and tourists and to explore and to implement tourism corridors with partner LGUs and partner TOs.
Mapalo, however, said that the September target was not definite, but can be moved at the city’s discretion depending on the pandemic situation.
“September has been our projected re-opening schedule, since we started planning for recovery.”
He said, once the plan pushes through, the city will limit the capacity of visitors to 200, or as high as 1,000 per day, depending on risk levels.
Mapalo said, the Baguio Visitors Management System (BVMS) was already finished with its preparations for the “new normal” where tour management will be featuring touch-less transaction and services; a multi-platform registration for visitors and overnight guests; the proof of payment shall be the saved or coupon-printed QR code and assistance for research and planning through accurate tourist arrival enumeration.
The city has allowed some tourism-related establishments to open following guidelines and safety protocols to allow economic activity to start.
It has also started allowing horse back-riding at the Wright Park, strolling at Camp John Hay and at Burnham Park.
Some hotels have also started to reopen giving discounts and promos to accommodations, for local residents who desire to sleep over.