Tourism development in the Philippines 202 1

The Philippines is a famous tropical climate tourism destination in Southeast Asia. Many islands and large diving sites have attracted the attention of many tourists. Everyone aims at the climate and environmental factors in the Philippines to obtain tourism resources. However, during the epidemic, the tourism industry in the Philippines was hit hard. Let's share 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 National University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) 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 the cooperative hospital for a subsidy of 50% of the test fee of 1800 pesos, as long as the purpose of the test is to travel in the Philippines.

Interested applicants can submit their registration letter (foreigner ID card). In addition, other documents are needed, including room reservation confirmed by any accommodation agency certified by the Ministry of Tourism, and transportation certificates for round-trip air tickets, buses or ferries.

Yalonis, director of the Tourism Promotion Bureau, 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 and travel may not be able to apply for this subsidy.

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

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

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

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.