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Philippines

A Long Awaited Reopening: Guidelines in place to ensure tourists can visit the Philippines in the safest way possible

A Long Awaited Reopening: Guidelines in place to ensure tourists can visit the Philippines in the safest way possible

With Covid-19 still changing the way we live, the Philippines has been hard at work to implement a strict protocol of guidelines that ensure tourism can resume under stringent international hygiene and safety standards

Iva Agüero
@philandiva

More than ten months since it began, the Covid-19 pandemic is still prevalent throughout the world and its far-reaching consequences are affecting industries and economies across the board. Strict travel restrictions brought tourism to a halt but as Stephen Hawking once said, the measure of “intelligence is the ability to adapt to change”.

In the spirit of adaptability and preparedness, the Philippines is one of the first countries that is slowly but surely reopening its doors to visitors. In a brave show of solidarity with its people, the Philippines recognises the importance of the tourism industry for their economy and has prioritised setting protocols in place that will accelerate the return of tourism while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all those involved as the utmost priority.

With a lot of information out there and the horizon changing quickly, things can get confusing so we decided to put together a simplified summary of the guidelines and safety measures in place for travel during Covid-19.

Across the Filipino Archipelago most tourism protocols are based on a strict and methodical accreditation process. Establishments in the hospitality and tourism sector must adhere to international standards of safety and hygiene so that they can be well equipped to welcome travellers while protecting their safety and the safety of their own staff.

In order to make sure that the hospitality and tourism industry abide by the rules and regulations, the Department of Tourism has set in place a series of accreditations required to operate. From tour operators to restaurants and accommodation, only businesses that have secured a DOT accreditation will be allowed to reopen and operate in the “New Normal”.

If you are wondering what these regulations look like, below is a list of the changes enforced by the DOT in compliance with international Covid-19 safety and hygiene standards.

Tour Operators

The Philippines has such a wide variety of activities  to offer that opting for a tour operator takes the stress out of holiday planning. If you are looking to travel by bus, van, rest easy as the following measures are in place to guarantee a safe and pleasant journey.

  • Routine monitoring of staff’s temperature
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) available for all on-duty staff with special training provided to educate staff on PPE use
  • Use of masks, face shields, and other personal protective equipment for staff and customers
  • Vehicles to be routinely cleaned and disinfected
  • All trips will be documented to ensure effective contact tracing
  • Reduced seating capacity for all vehicles
  • Physical barriers erected with screens placed between driver and passengers

Restaurants

Food is an amazing and integral part of discovering Filipino country. Don’t worry, the pandemic will not get in the way of enjoying the countries variety of national delicacies. Extra bonus actually for the social distancing implemented will make for less crowded restaurants and keep you away from noisy diners!

  • Restaurants will  prioritise and encourage cashless and contactless payment options
  • Reduced seating capacity at  each restaurant
  • Signing of a health declaration form upon entry for effective contact tracing
  • Routine sanitisation and temperature checks at all entrances
  • Physical distancing even for those dining in groups and screens in place to separate diners seated face-to-face from each other at tables
  • Use of masks, face shields, and other personal protective equipment for staff and customers

Accommodation

The Philippines already had a reputation for striving to keep their homes and hotels spotless. Now with Covid-19, expect establishments to be pristine while the warm welcome of Filipino hospitality remains unchanged.

  • No handshakes at entry. Instead, you will be welcomed with a warm Mabuhay greeting and big  smiles that will shine through the masks that hide them
  • Online bookings are preferred as well as pre-payment and contactless payments
  • Rigid health declaration system, which involves screening
  • Routine health checks for staff to ensure guests’ safety
  • Physical distancing and markers to help remind guests of the safety distances that need to be respected
  • Use of masks, face shields, and other personal protective equipment in public areas for both guests and staff
  • In-room sanitisation kits for guests provided
  • Medical-grade equipment for sanitisation and temperature screening at all entrances
  • Assign and create a COVID-19 holding facility within the establishment in the event there is a symptomatic guest
  • Thorough, routine disinfection of facilities and rooms
If you don’t live in the Philippines but are eager to plan your next trip there post-COVID, visit philippines.travel and DOT’s official Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The photos used in this article were taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cruise Control: Slow but Safe Travels When Planning Your Next Road Trip

Cruise Control: Slow but Safe Travels When Planning Your Next Road Trip

With international travel still a ways away, now is a great time for anyone in the Philippines to discover the amazing destinations surrounding them

Iva Agüero
@philandiva

When it comes to choosing holiday destinations, we often look at the far off destinations because the grass always seem to be greener on the other side. Sadly, we often end up overlooking the amazing possibilities just outside our doorstep.

Once we let the idea of travelling  far and  fast take a backseat, land travel becomes the obvious choice. You will find that there are so many discoveries to be made along the way.

One of the best things about a road-trip is that the trip becomes as important as the destination and you have the freedom to stop, take a detour and let yourself be amazed by new experiences along the way. This is what happened to Phil and I while we were filming for Dreamcatchers, as we drove a car around the incredible island of Luzon, in one of our favourite road-trips to date.

Discovering Filipino history on the streets of Vigan

One of the things that struck us on our Luzon  road trip was the great infrastructure and ease of traveling. Well maintained roads and clear signage made it super easy to navigate from one pit-stop to the other.

Vigan was our first stop out of Manila and it immediately transported us to another time. The cobbled streets and charming facades of the buildings reminded us of the rich history of the Philippines while the empanadas delighted us with their fusion of Spanish influence and delicious local ingredients.

Sand Dunes of Laoag

As we drove from Ilocos Sur towards Ilocos Norte we couldn’t help but stop in the surprising sand dunes of Laoag. Here, visitors are invited to grab a board and surf down the sides of the dunes, or get an adrenaline rush speeding through the dunes on an ATV. A few sandy tumbles later and we were back in the car continuing our journey north.

Patapat Viaduct on the Northern coast of Luzon

Rounding the northeastern tip of Luzon we drove through the striking Patapat Viaduct and enjoyed the magnificent view along the north coast before heading into the jungle of Adams, a small mountain town lost in time among the rice fields and the mountains that may sound familiar from a previous article that we wrote (yes, I like that place a lot)!

For those seeking cooler weather, the Mountain Province of the Philippines will show you that you don’t need to travel to Europe to stay in a log cabin and sip hot chocolate! From Sagada all the way down to Baguio you can enjoy a chilly breeze and changing landscapes as you drive through imposing pine forests, ancient terraced rice fields and lush strawberry farms.

As we drove down from the mountains and into the plains, heading back to Manila after a few weeks in the car, we couldn’t help but wonder one more time at the variety of  picturesque sceneries we saw along the way as well as short distances and beautiful roads that had more than lived up to expectations in one of our most epic road-trip to date.

Covid-19 Road—trip checklist:

Choose a car rental service that you trust

We had a great experience with Hertz Philippines during our road trip. They go the extra mile to get you to your destination safely and now even offer to deliver the car directly to your home address. Of course they also apply rigorous hygiene and safety standards. Regardless of who you choose as your provider, make sure that they have adequate cleaning and safety regulations in place.

Plan your itinerary in advance

Check the reopening policy of places you plan to visit. For example, Baguio has introduced a travel regulation system called Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (VISITA) that serves as an extra layer of security to ensure their guests a safe and stress-free stay.

Know your pit-stop options

While spontaneity is a wonderful part of traveling, keep your options open by having a list of accommodations and activities that have already been vetted by the local tourism authorities.

Put together your Freedom Playlist

Don’t forget the music! As you venture out for what may be your first post-Covid trip, put together a playlist with the best vibes to celebrate the epic adventure. If you’re traveling in the car, blast your music and sing along at the top of your lungs. If you’re travelling by bus, maybe best to keep the noise down… although who knows – maybe your fellow travellers will be up for an impromptu karaoke session!

Stopping for snacks is definitely a bonus of any road trip

For up to date travel information, please visit philippines.travel/safeph and DOT’s official Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The photos used in this article were taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Boracay the first to bring back the fun in the Philippines!

Boracay the first to bring back the fun in the Philippines!

What does visiting a paradise island feel like during Covid-19?

Philippe Estiot & Iva Agüero
@philandiva

It has been a long time since we thought about making travel plans. Recent world events could be mistaken for the plot of a zombie movie but the New Normal is now upon us and it is time for every country to adjust.

There’s one country we know well and hold close to our heart. It’s a place we have sailed around for more than a year and where our sailboat Dali is currently berthed, a country who’s economy strongly relies on tourism: The Philippines.

Luckily, as we are slowly returning to more conventional way of living, this dream destination for travellers from all over the world has been hard at work to prepare a safe return for visitors. From air and land travel to hotel accommodation and beachside activities, comprehensive guidelines have been carefully thought to protect everyone from beginning to end. In this way, we will now be able to marvel again at its pristine beaches, incredible rock formations and stunning mountains, or simply to drink an ice cold beer while watching the sun set on another day in one of our favourite countries in the world.

So what does visiting one of its most stunning beaches during the New Normal look like? We were curious to find out what traveling to world famous Boracay now feels like.

For starters, the journey is a lot less crowded. No more elbowing your neighbours for a few inches more of space on the plane from Manila! Travel operators must obtain special certifications and respect social distancing practices that include physical barriers between passengers, drivers and regular disinfecting.

When packing your bags, just make sure don’t forget the New Normal Essentials! With a strict no mask, no boarding policy, you should come prepared with your own mask. Hand sanitiser is readily available wherever you go, along with paper towels and first-aid kits.

The tough few months we’ve lived through did not change what we like most about the Philippines: the Filipino hospitality. Rarely have we travelled to a country where we felt more welcome, and this has not changed a bit.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll hear a friendly and familiar “Mabuhay” and although the masks keep mouths hidden, it’s impossible not to notice the big smiles in the twinkling eyes of the hotel staff. Check-in is smooth, with contactless forms of payment for hotel bookings are preferred, or even paying online when you make your booking.

After filling a Health Declaration Form and having your temperature taken, it’s time to go to your room. Only single or double occupancy rooms are allowed and a meter between you and your neighbour’s bed is recommended. It all seems a bit like a scene out of a sci-fi movie, but all the precautions are worth it once you step out onto the blinding white sand of Boracay.

With less tourists, you’ll have the stunning beaches all to yourself! There will definitely not be anyone to photobomb your selfies so if there was ever a time for perfect beach photos – this is it!

We are always sailing to remote islands on the hunt for empty beaches. Realising we can now find this in the famous destination of Boracay makes us look at this whole situation in a new way. The surreal situation we have lived through did have a positive impact on our planet and now is the time to enjoy it! It’s been years since the water was so clear here.

Feet in the sand and looking out at the bright turquoise water on the shore to the dark blue hues in the horizon brings profound sense of freedom, even if wearing a mask on the beach is a stark reminder of this New Normal world. Once you take off your mask for a swim and you’re floating in the crystal clear water, the troubles of the last few months quickly slip away.

It’s the dawn of a new era and being able move freely has become a new type of luxury for us all. As Boracay reopens, a wave of optimism washes over the Philippines. It feels like the start of a new chapter, with more good news just around the corner.

Below is a summary of the guidelines to follow in order to have hassle-free fun in Boracay when it reopens

 

Test before you travel

  • A negative RT-PCR result not earlier than forty-eight (48) hours prior to travelling to Boracay is mandatory.

 

Book in DOT-accredited establishments only

  • To ensure safety and the quality of service, all travellers are required to pre-book in DOT-accredited hotels and resorts issued with a Certificate of Authority to Open. You can find the list of these accommodation establishments here.

 

Register your visit online

  • Access http://aklan.gov.ph and click the Online Health Declaration Card button then choose Boracay in the “Where To?” page.
  • Fill out the required fields and submit. A confirmation with instructions will be displayed. 
  • Save a copy of the Health Declaration Card (HDC) on your smartphone or have it printed. 
  • Attach a copy of the HDC together with a copy of your RT-PCR Negative Result, confirmed flight and booking details, and your valid ID, then email it to touristboracay@gmail.com with this subject format: OHDC – Family Name, First Name (example: OHDC – Dela Cruz, Juan). Registration for multiple tourists and their documents can be sent in one email. 
  • Wait for the email response within the day. If approved, a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code will be sent back to you. Present these to authorities in the borders for scanning.

 

Follow port of entry guidelines

  • Airlines are advised that the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Municipality of Malay will be the only port of entry for tourists traveling by air. A central point shall be established to screen tourists travelling by land, air, or sea.

 

Familiarize yourself with local health and safety facilities and guidelines

  • Stringent health and safety guidelines, emergency response protocols, and a COVID-19 Laboratory are in place as you enter Boracay.
For up to date travel information, please visit philippines.travel/safeph and DOT’s official Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The photos used in this article were taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

*Disclaimer: Test before you travel
A negative RT-PCR result not earlier than forty-eight (48) hours prior to travelling to Boracay is mandatory. Travellers are strongly advised to observe strict quarantine immediately after undergoing the test until the date of travel to the island.

Get ready to pack your bags!

Get ready to pack your bags!

Philippines sets the wheels in motion with Certificate of Authority to Operate for hotels and resorts

It’s no secret Phil and I love to travel and with our boat waiting for us out of the water in Subic Bay, we often find our minds wandering to the Philippines. Who hasn’t sat at home during these long weeks and clicked past hundreds of old holiday photos or scrolled through #travelinspo?

What we wouldn’t do for a dip in the crystal waters of Bacuit Bay, a breath of fresh air in Batanes or a hike through the rice terraces of Batad. The Philippines has something for every traveler, with  a vast variety of landscapes and adventures at every turn.

With the pandemic still present in our everyday lives, most of us can only sit back and daydream about travel. Confinement and movement control orders have made memories of sunny beaches and exotic destinations all the sweeter in our minds… Not to mention that our bucket list of dream destinations grows longer with each week that sit at home.

Luckily, there are good news just around the corner! The Philippines is stepping up to the plate and has been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that safe domestic travel can resume.

What does this mean? It means that not long from now hotels, resorts and restaurants can begin to reopen! Tourism based business can apply for free to secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate so that they can be sure to welcome their guests in compliance with safety regulations.

A little extra planning will go a long way on both sides. Guests will be asked to fill out a Health Declaration Form upon check-in, while hotels and resorts must commit to providing up to date information on Covid-19 as well as informing the guests of all the safety measures in place at the establishment. Make a little extra room in your luggage for face-masks but don’t worry if you forgot your hand-sanitiser as hotels and resorts will be providing sanitation kits for each guest.

With tourism starting during the pandemic, you can rest assured that hotel rooms have never been this clean! Rigorous disinfecting of linens, surfaces and spaces – combined with physical distancing – will give you a less crowded and sparkling clean hotel experience.

If the community quarantine is starting to weigh on you, think of this as a ray of sunlight peeking through the clouds. Soon the wonders of the archipelago of the Philippines will be open again for us to come marvel at.

A hike to Kagayan Lake or a snorkel in Apo Reef, the question on everyone’s mind right now is, where will we go first?

For up to date travel information, please visit philippines.travel/safeph and DOT’s official Facebook page.

*Disclaimer: The photos used in this article were taken prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.