CEBU CITY – Canyoneering operators in Badian, Cebu welcomed the loosening of protocols for local tourists who wish to visit the province.
The Association of Kawasan Canyoneering Operators of Badian (AKCOB) thanked Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for issuing an Executive Order (EO) that eases the travel restrictions for persons arriving in the province for tourism-related activities.
“We are please and thankful for the governor’s decision in making the requirement easier. As we all know, Cebu is considered No. 1 (among) the most visited islands in the Philippines and our livelihood is dependent on tourism,” AKCOB said in a statement.
Under the EO, domestic tourists may enter the province without presenting results of their real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.
Local tourists will be allowed entry by presenting a valid medical certificate issued by a reputable doctor within seven days prior to the travel date.
Tourists must also pre-book at a resort or hotel establishment duly accredited by the Cebu Provincial Task Force. The resort or hotel establishment where the tourists shall stay during the duration of the visit should be located within the province
Arriving tourists must also pass symptoms checking or screening at the point of departure and at the point of arrival.
AKCOB, which is composed of 40 members, said the group has taken measures to ensure the safety of the tourists.
“With all the precautions we are preparing, we are excited to serve our guests under this new normal,” AKCOB said.
Dropping the swab test requirement is expected to lure more local tourists since aside from loosening travel restrictions, it will also ease the financial burden on the part of the tourists, said Michelle Joy Padayhag, the group’s spokesperson.
“A guest will have to shell out at least P3,000 for the swab test. So with this in which swab tests are no longer required, there would be an increase of tourist visits especially the budget travelers,” said Padayhag.