By HANAH TABIOS
Ilocos Norte will reopen its doors to local tourists from Luzon, including those from areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), beginning Oct. 15.
Tourists will be required to present a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rT-PCR) result within 48 hours before entry to the province. However, those with existing health risk-conditions and comorbidities, including pregnant women, will not be allowed entry.
“We’re elated with the decision of Gov. Manotoc to finally welcome visitors from Luzon to Ilocos Norte, even those coming from areas that are still under general community quarantine (GCQ),” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
Manotoc had initially signed up for the North Luzon Regional Tourism Circuit with Baguio City as its partner for the “Ridge to Reef” travel bubble program.
“The province’s success in managing the number of COVID-19 cases, not to mention an array of cultural sites, natural attractions, and fun activities, make it really worth the long drive for people looking for a cure for their cabin fever,” Puyat said.
To assist the province in effectively monitoring the movement of its initial target number of 50 tourists per day, the Tourism chief announced that the DoT shall introduce a visitor management system to the province, akin to the Visitor Information and Travel Assistance or VISITA platform it provided to Baguio City through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
“With the pandemic and the virus still among us, the DoT realizes the importance of harnessing the full potential of digital or ‘contactless’ technology to avoid transmissions as domestic tourism is reopened. In the event that a COVID-19 positive tourist manages to enter any of the country’s tourism destinations, contact tracing must be fast and seamless,” Puyat said.
The DoT will continue to extend support to the provincial government by ensuring that necessary health and safety protocols are strictly enforced in tourist sites, hotels, and other tourism-related establishments that seek to accommodate tourists from Luzon.
As of Oct. 9, the Tourism department has issued certificates of authority to 208 hotels and resorts in Ilocos Norte. The regional tourism office will also regularly check the compliance of these establishments to the health and safety standards.
The Tourism chief reminded tourists looking to visit the province to respect and follow the province’s protocols for travelers.
