Thirty-three hotels accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) comprise the new batch of recipients of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) "Safe Travels Stamp" from the country.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Wednesday, April 21, led the virtual awarding ceremony of the world’s first safety and hygiene stamp to accommodation establishments (AEs) located across six regions in the Philippines.
The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp has been granted to governments and businesses that have adopted global health standardized protocols to give travelers peace of mind amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The new batch of recipients fron Luzon include Aruga by Rockwell and The Peninsula Manila in Makati City; Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City; Joy Nostalg Hotels and Suites Manila in Pasig City; Solair Resort in Paranaque City; Baguio Country Club, The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay, and the Manor at Camp John Hay in Baguio City; Balai Adlaw, Casa Kalaw, Club Paradise, Hotel Covo, Huni Lo, and El Nido Resorts in Palawan.
Visayas-based recipients include Amarela Resort, Amun Ini Resort and Spa, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort, and Bohol Beach Club in Bohol province; Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa, C Suites at 8 Newton, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Modala Beach Resort, Mithi Resort and Spa, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa, The Bellevue Resort, The Hotel Elizabeth, and Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu province.
Meanwhile, accommodation establishments from Mindanao that received the stamp were the Grand Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City; Hotel Camila 2 and Mibang Hotel in Dipolog City, and Sed Abreeza Hotel in Davao City.
These bring the total number of recipients in the Philippines to 40. Seven AEs were given the Safe Travels Stamp earlier this year.
"We celebrate the recognition of these DOT-accredited accommodation establishments nationwide who have responded to our call of providing a safer and healthier experience to our travelers," Puyat said during the online event.
She assured that these AEs --five of which were star hotels--have been duly assessed by the concerned DOT regional offices and were deemed compliant with the agency's health and safety guidelines.
"Now that the country’s vaccination program is in full swing, we hope that parallel initiatives across the globe will hasten the resumption of international travel," the Tourism chief said.
"We enjoin our local tourism stakeholders and destinations to prioritize health and safety in their preparations and operations. The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp, on top of our accreditation, will restore travelers’ confidence in the Philippines as a safe and fun destination," Puyat added.