Zamboanga City set to reopen popular beach destinations

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – Preparations by the city government here are underway to reopen the Sta. Cruz Island and 11 Islands to tourists.

The islands are some of the premier tourist destinations here.

City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said they will only accommodate daily half the capacity of these two tourist destinations when they reopen to visitors.

“This will be done so that guests will not crowd the two areas,” Sebastian said.

Before the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Sta. Cruz Island used to accommodate a maximum of 500 guests daily, and the 11 Islands 200 a day.

Sebastian said when reopened, marshals will be assigned in the two tourist destinations to ensure compliance with health protocols.

The Sta. Cruz Island is known for its pink sand beach, while the 11 Islands have pristine white sand beaches. Both are ideal places for scuba diving.