BATANES -- After keeping its border closed to non-residents for more than two years due to Covid-19, this archipelagic province in the northernmost tip of the country has reopened its doors for tourism since Sunday (May 15).
This means travelers who want to visit the paradise of the North can now plan for their Batanes trip.
The joint passage of Provincial Ordinance no. 363 and Executive Order no. 23 enabled Batanes to start the gradual reopening of the industry with a set of guidelines connected to the new normal.
The Provincial Tourism Office announced that this act is part of the province’s trial period that will run from May 15 to June 30 wherein only vaccinated travelers will be allowed to enter the province for tourism activities.
During this period, the local government will limit the number of tourists that can travel to Batanes to 50 persons per week. The tourists can book their tour in the accredited tour operators, accommodations and tour guides of the provincial government and by the Tourism Department. Do-it-yourself (DIY) tourism is prohibited.
Meanwhile, the local government also set guidelines starting from the arrival of the visitor who has to undergo health screening.
If a traveler shows symptoms of Covid19, immediate testing will be conducted and if it yields positive, the tourist will be isolated in a government facility free of charge except for food and other supply expenses.
This gradual reopening of Batanes for tourism will be the basis of the local government if the place is ready for more tourism arrivals in the coming months.