Hotels group welcomes ‘staycation’ approval in GCQ areas

Previously, only health workers, exempted employees, returning overseas Filipinos, and stranded tourists were allowed to book a hotel room unless the location is under the less strict modified GCQ. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – The approval of “staycation” in hotels in areas under general community quarantine (GQC) is a welcome development in the Philippines’ bid to slowly restart tourism, Hotel Sales and Marketing Association President Christine Ibarreta said on Saturday.

“It’s good news for hotels and resorts as the safety and sanitation protocols are in place with our member hotels, we are much ready to welcome guests back.

This will likewise stimulate business all over the country and start rebuilding tourism,” she said in a text message.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recently allowed hotels to accommodate guests who would check-in for leisure purposes even if the area is under GCQ.

Previously, only health workers, exempted employees, returning overseas Filipinos, and stranded tourists were allowed to book a hotel room unless the location is under the less strict modified GCQ.

The DOT is expected to issue guidelines soon on staycations with specific regulations on the maximum allowable number of persons in a guestroom as well as the use of ancillary services, such as restaurants and recreational areas.

Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Batangas, and the city of Tacloban are under GCQ, while Lanao del Sur, Bacolod City, and Iligan City are placed under the more stringent modified enhanced community quarantine.

The rest of the country are under modified GCQ.