Camiguin to reopen to tourists

MANILA, Philippines — More tourism workers in Camiguin have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in preparation for the reopening of the island to tourists.

The Department of Tourism said Camiguin would start receiving visitors again next week.

Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said 3,071 tourism workers on the island have been vaccinated.

Of the number, 745 are employees of hotels and resorts, 446 work in restaurants and bakeshops, 39 in dive shops, 42 in souvenir shops, 727 from transport groups, 47 in salons, 132 in government frontline services, and 829 in supermarkets and financial establishments. There are 36 pump boat operators and boatmen and 28 tour guides.

Puyat expressed optimism that a protected workforce would help in the recovery of the tourism industry.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade will lead the inauguration of the upgraded Camiguin airport today, which is seen to boost not only tourism but also economic and employment opportunities on the island.