BAGUIO CITY -- Baguio City's Ridge and Reef tourism bubble program will now be expanded to cater to the entire Luzon and upgrade from 200 to 500 the number of visitors per day effective October 28.
The Baguio Tourism Council said the city opens to more tourists with updated and simplified guidelines in its Baguio Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA) online.
Visitors of all ages, as long as they have no underlying health conditions, no COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, not pregnant, can directly book with hotels and won't have to upload their itinerary and booking confirmation. There will also be no need for tour operators or travel agents for staycations.
Long term vacations, staying with friends or relatives, city tour and to BLISTT attractions are now allowed and may be arranged with DOT accredited tour operators.
In the simplified guidelines, tourists must register with the Baguio VISITA account and sign up at visita.baguio.gov.ph and upload their valid ID and current photo.
A QR-coded Tourist Pass (QTP) for approved travel will be given to visitors which will be presented in the checkpoints, in hotels, tourist establishments, and sites.
A negative COVID-19 test result is required prior to travel or upon arrival as well as a triage procedure upon arrival.
If you're entering Baguio City as a returning resident, worker or student, or as an APOR with official business or medical appointments, register at hdf.baguio.gov.ph for the guidelines and requirements.
The tourist registration through VISITA electronic platform of the City Tourism and Special Events Office (CTSEO) reported a total of 877 applications with only 60 approved as of October 28.
The applications to enter the Summer Capital were as follows: Region 1 - 57 applied with four approved; NCR - 559 applied with 54 approved; CAR - 12 applied with none approved; Region 2 - four applied with none approved; Region 3 - 140 applied with eight approved; and Region 4A - 93 applied with 14 approved. One visitor applied each from Regions 5 and 12, and The Netherlands. None were approved. There are nine other applications without approval.
The CTSEO said the review is chronologically arranged and the numbers are expected to change in the coming days. A surge in tourists is expected with the foreseen lifting of restrictions, allowing do-it-yourself (DIY) day travels and hotel stays optional.