A group of tour operators cried foul over the classification of the Philippines as a high risk for travelers by the United of States (US) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In a statement, the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Inc., a group of tour operators with over 400 members across the country, said the 92.3 percent vaccination rate in the country makes the Philippines a safe destination for tourists.
“With at least 72 million Filipinos fully vaccinated and tourism outlets welcoming foreign tourists, a safer and more relaxed environment awaits eager travelers looking for memorable tropical adventures,” said Philtoa President Fe Abling-Yu, adding that they are even planning to hold a festivity to promote the tourism exposition next month to mark the 33rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), PHILTOA together with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
She said they will be launching the “safe travel” promotions dubbed as Tara Na, Biyahe Na! in a three-day tourism expo on September 3 to October 2, 2022 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City which she described as a part of the "revenge travel" in order to address the adverse effect of pandemic in tourism industry.
Yu said the three-day travel expo will feature over 200 exhibitions from local and international participants showcasing exclusive domestic and international travel packages that come with affordable rates. (Jun Marcos Tadios)