Bohol will reopen its doors to tourists starting next month using digital and contactless tracing solutions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus illness, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Thursday.
Roque made the announcement during his visit to the province ahead of its planned reopening to visitors. The Palace official traveled to Bohol to check on preparations and visit its popular attractions such as Panglao Island, Chocolate Hills, and Loboc River.
"Magbubukas na po para sa turismo ang island paradise na Bohol mula po a-kinse ng Nobyembre (The island paradise of Bohol will open for tourism on November 15),” he said during a televised press briefing.
“Napakaganda po ng sistema, paperless, contactless at wala pong delay. I commend Governor (Arthur) Yap and the entire province of Bohol for this technological device,” he added.
Bohol, one of the country’s famous tourist destinations, is currently under the modified general community quarantine, the most relaxed of the lockdown levels in the country.
In the same press briefing, Governor Yap clarified that the planned reopening of Bohol to visitors next month is under study.
"At this point in time, we are studying the possibility already na buksan na natin ang Bohol sa domestic tourism (to open Bohol to domestic tourism) by November 15," he said.
He said those planning to visit Bohol must follow certain health protocols such as having a negative coronavirus test 72 hours prior to arrival to the province. The local government plans to implement a QR code system for the tracing of visitors.
"If you have a valid negative PCR test result to COVID, then you can register. Let us know about that, mabibigyan kayo ng QR code and you will use that QR code to register and then you can now book your stay with accredited establishments," he said.
Yap said do-it-yourself tours in Bohol are still not allowed. Tourists must instead be booked on guided tours or travel itineraries.
He urged those who want to travel to Bohol to visit the website tourism.bohol.gov.ph for more details.