The Department of Tourism (DOT) has reminded accommodation establishments operating as quarantine hotels to allow room sharing for certain individuals belonging in the same household who are traveling together, especially families that brought along kids.
This, after the DOT received reports that some quarantine hotels have been enforcing a "one-room-one-person" policy for travelers from the same household.
"While the department is aware of the downturns that the pandemic brought to the tourism industry, particularly the accommodation sector, we would like to reiterate that all DOT-accredited establishments must strictly follow the guidelines released by the department to avoid confusion among travelers who need to quarantine," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement on Thursday, July 22.
The DOT recently released Administrative Order No. 2021-004-A, which stated that the single occupancy rule should be observed for quarantine guests coming from different households.
However, room sharing is encouraged for quarantine guests belonging to the same household and guests requiring a companion, such as minors, persons with disabilities, or senior citizens, or as may be prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH) or the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).
Puyat said the government's pandemic task force has confirmed the need to comply with the DOT order which has been approved by the DOH and BOQ.
"We all share the same struggles but it is imperative that we implement the right policies to help our kababayans who want to return to the country," the tourism chief said.
"If we want to fast track the recovery of the industry, tourism stakeholders should also help the department in properly implementing such measures. We need your continued support as we see more Filipino travelers wanting to return home," she added.