DOT Tells The Public to Travel Within the Country

The Department of Tourism (DOT) invited the public to just travel within the country as authorities are still trying to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Up to date, there are already more than 100,000 people infected in over 60 countries including the Philippines.

During a meeting with the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC), DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said domestic tourism can be boosted if we travel within the country.

“This is temporary. We will bounce back and recover,” said Sec. Puyat

She convened the council to tackle measures to mitigate the effects of the global pandemic threat to the country’s tourism industry.

Joining Sec. Puyat at the TCC meeting were Sec. Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Sec. Silvestre Bello, of the Department of Labor (DOLE). Also present were
representatives of other TCC member agencies, the private sector and the non-government organizations (NGOs).

Puyat also commended the private sector for its “all-out support” in their activities. DOT-accredited hotels and resorts have also been recognized by the DOT.

“To strengthen this private-public partnership initiative, the DOT will be allocating approximately PHP 6 billion pesos that will span international and domestic promotions, infrastructure, and regional tourism development,” Sec. Puyat added.

Puyat urged the public to not panic as the Department of Health (DOH) is also doing its part to contain the said virus. (MLC)