Baguio tourist arrivals increasing

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The tourism sector in this city is confident of the recovery of the industry with the easing of travel restrictions.

City tourism chief Alec Mapalo said they have experienced “an influx of tourists” since the city was placed under Alert Level 3 on Friday.

Mapalo said 974 tourists arrived on Friday; 1,916 on Saturday; 1,943 on Sunday, and 1,735 on Monday.

Only tourists who complied with the requirements set by the city government were allowed entry, Mapalo said.

The city has reopened to fully vaccinated tourists and other non-essential travelers from areas under Alert Level 3 or lower starting on Oct. 25.

Minors aged 12 to 17 who are unvaccinated or have received at least their first dose must present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test taken 72 hours prior to arrival or during health screening at the city triage.

Neighboring areas have also reopened to visitors as Benguet is now under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.

Kabayan town in Benguet, home of the world famous Timbac cave where century-old mummies are kept, has yet to reopen to tourists.

Mayor Basilio Louie Daoal Jr. said they are still waiting for the recommendation of the national pandemic task force.