Baguio City — Local chief executives of Baguio City and Region I strengthened their commitment for the re-opening of the lucrative tourism industry in Northern Luzon with the upcoming establishment of a tourism bubble.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan, Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson, Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino III and Ilocos Norte Gov. Mathew Joseph Manotoc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jumpstart the establishment of the Baguio-Region I tourism corridor geared towards slowly, cautiously and safely opening up the tourism industry in Northern Luzon.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operations Officer Maria Antonette Velasco Allones, Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, DOT- Region I regional director Joseph Francisco Ortega, who also represented La Union Gov. Francisco Emmanuel Ortega and DOT-CAR officer-in-charge Jovy Ganongan witnessed the signing of the MOU.
Executives and representatives of the neighboring provinces and cities agreed to revive the region’s economy, especially tourism industry.
Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson expressed his support to the Baguio-Region I tourism bubble expected to be launched on September 21, 2020 to help spur tourism-related economic activities and provide sustainable livelihood for the heavily impacted people in the different parts of Northern Luzon.
It can be recalled that Baguio city incurred an actual total loss of income amounting to ₱ 126,496,132.44 in the past five months.
The city’s income woes, is the continued closure of its borders to tourists as a measure in preventing the spread of the virus. As the country’s Summer Capital, the tourism sector contributes a significant amount annually to the city’s coffers.
According to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, four million people from the tourism sector lost their jobs due to the pandemic and lockdowns.
Secretary Puyat in her keynote address in the 111th Baguio Day celebration on September 1, tourists will be regulated and monitored through the Baguio V.I.S.I.T.A. (Visitor Information and Travel Assistance). Anyone who wishes to enter Baguio must pre-register and pre-book accommodations.
“Tourism industry can be reopened for as long as protocols are strictly implemented and observed.” Puyat said.
She further explained that upon entry, tourists will undergo mandatory triage and PCR testing on their own expense. The movement of the tourist shall be closely monitored by the tour operator or hotel management, and the city will limit the capacity of visitors to 200 or up to 1000 a day, depending on risk levels. (Joe Manzano)