Current situation of tourism development in the Philippines

The Philippines is a famous tropical tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Many islands and large diving resorts attract the attention of many tourists. Everyone seeks tourism resources according to the climate and environmental factors in the Philippines. However, during the epidemic, the tourism industry in the Philippines was hit hard. Share with you the specific status quo of tourism development.

According to the Philippine Business Daily, foreigners in the Philippines can now apply for subsidized nucleic acid testing provided by the National University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, which will help stimulate the recovery of tourism affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.

Last week, the Ministry of Tourism signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) of the National University of the Philippines through the Tourism Promotion Bureau to reduce the economic burden of potential tourists in the new normal.

In its updated guide, the Tourism Promotion Bureau stated that foreigners living in the Philippines, whether workers, long-term residents, students or other qualified visa holders, can apply to cooperative hospitals for a 50% subsidy for the 1800 peso testing fee, as long as the testing purpose is to travel in the Philippines.

Interested applicants can submit their registered characters (foreign identity cards). In addition, other documents are needed, including room reservation confirmed by any accommodation agency certified by the Ministry of Tourism, round-trip air tickets, and transportation certificates of buses or ferries.

Yalonis, director of tourism promotion, clarified that only leisure travelers, regardless of their age, who intend to travel in any reopened tourist destination that needs testing can apply for testing subsidies before they can go. However, people stranded in cities, business travelers and government employees planning to work or travel cannot apply for this subsidy.

Visitors must register on relevant websites and submit all requirements 5 days or earlier before departure.

Eligible tourists will receive an email from the Philippine General Hospital of the National University of the Philippines (——), open the relevant website to access the online customer questionnaire (CIF), and be informed of the swab testing schedule.

Since the Philippine General Hospital only accepts 100 nucleic acid tests every day, it will register first and come first served.

Only those who have submitted CIF online and received confirmation of swab test schedule will be accepted.

Unsolicited requests will be rejected. For families planning to travel together, children can also enjoy testing subsidies.