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DOT welcomes IATF decision to ease travel in NCR Plus
The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to ease travel restrictions in NCR Plus starting May 15 to 30, 2021.
IATF-EID Resolution No. 115-A places Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite — collectively known as NCR Plus — under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions. While only essential travel is allowed going to and from NCR Plus, the Resolution allows the implementation of “specialized markets of the Department of Tourism” subject to the observance of minimum public health standards.
These specialized markets are the Point-to-Point (P2P) Air Travel for Leisure Purposes from the NCR Plus Area, and the Staycation program.
Under DOT Administrative Order No. 2021-003, P2P Air Travel is allowed from the NCR Plus Area to a resort in an area under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) or Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), provided, that such travel must be undertaken through a chartered flight, which may involve short, private transfers by land or sea. Only Accommodation Establishments that have been granted a Certificate of Authority to Operate for point-to-point travel (CAO-P2P) may accept guests from NCR Plus.
On the other hand, Staycation for individuals 18 to 65 years old is allowed for Accommodation Establishments in NCR Plus that have been granted a Certificate of Authority to Operate for Staycation.
“The easing of restrictions in NCR Plus is good news for our tourism stakeholders. This means more tourism workers will go back to work, and economic activities will continue. Needless to say, there is no room for complacency. We need to observe the health and safety protocols in every destination that we wish to visit,” Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
Additionally, under the IATF-EID Resolution, outdoor tourist attractions can now open at 30 percent capacity with strict adherence to minimum public health standards. Indoor dine-in services can operate at 20 percent of venue or seating capacity, while outdoor or al fresco dining can open at 50 percent of venue or seating capacity.
“We are taking every little opening possible under the current quarantine condition. Every step, big or small, will support our tourism workforce and sustain our industry,” enthused the tourism chief.
Published:May 14, 2021
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