Palawan to reopen tourist sites

PALAWAN, Philippines  — Palawan eyes the reopening of three of its top tourist destinations.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the tourism department is working with local officials and tourism stakeholders  from El Nido, Coron and San Vicente.

Puyat said a dry run in El Nido is targeted this month when commercial flights are expected to resume.

She said the province lost an estimated P3.1 billion from tourism since March. Some 14,000 workers were also displaced.

”The Department of Tourism sees domestic travel as the catalyst to reviving our industry. We are happy that (Palawan) Gov. (Jose) Alvarez  had expressed his intention to reopen tourism in the province as early as possible, and we will be pleased to work with you toward recovery,” Puyat told a press briefing at a resort in El Nido yesterday.

She urged tourism establishments to follow health and safety protocols.

El Nido has not recorded any coronavirus disease 2019 case.

Alvarez said they are “hesitant” to open the Puerto Princesa international airport due to confirmed cases in the city.

”There is no such thing as mass tourism. We have to open slowly and safely,” Alvarez said.

He said the local government aims to implement to a ”selective, targeted and prioritized” tourism.

Palawan is under modified general community quarantine since June 1, wherein tourism activities are allowed in a limited capacity. Catherine Talavera