BAGUIO CITY – The City Tourism Office (CTO) reported a total of 2,841 persons who have shown their intention to visit this city by registering with the Baguio Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA) site.
Since the start of the Ridge and Reef tourism bubble for Region 1 on October 1, 59 tourists from Region 1 have made travel requests, but as of Oct.18, only 15 have arrived in the city.
The VISITA statistic showed that out of 2,841 registration made, 528 has pending travel requests and most of the travelers came from National Capital Region with 269 requests, followed by 109 from Region 3, 64 from Region 4A, nine from Cordillera, six from Region 2, four from Region 5, three from Region 7; three from the United States, and one each from Regions 12 and Region 4B.
The city's Ridge and Reef program will now be expanded to cater to the entire Luzon starting October 22, but the limit of 200 visitors per day will remain.
City Mayor Benjie Magalong said the tourism program coverage expansion was recommended by the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), and concurred in by city health officials subject to observance of health and safety protocols against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Baguio Tourism Council said the city was also relaxing its documentary requirements for tourists in its VISITA platform.
Tourist can directly book with hotels they want stay in, and no longer need to upload itinerary and booking confirmation, as well as get the services of tour operators or travel agents for staycations.
But for health and safety precaution, do-it-yourself (DIYs) and day tours (at least overnight stay) will still not allowed.
Staying with friends or relatives will also be prohibited as tourists must stay in accommodation establishments with Certificate Authority to Operate, as listed in Baguio VISITA.
Should staycationers want to go on a city tour, this could only be done so DOT accredited tour operators and testing will be required, either prior to travel or upon arrival for a fee.