DOT further eases health, safety rules

Health and safety guidelines for tourism establishments had been eased up further by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as part of its measures to support the national government’s liberalization of the COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

Based on the DOT Memorandum Circular (MC) 2023-0002, the presentation of proof of full vaccination as well as the wearing of facemasks in tourism enterprises will no longer be required.

The installation of plastic, acrylic barriers, and dividers in designated areas, signages, visual cues, and other installations on mandatory protocols are no longer required as well.

After the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) discontinued its Safety Seal Certification Program, the DOT also announced that it shall no longer issue the PH Safety Seal and WTTC Safe Travels Stamp (STS) to tourism enterprises found compliant with guidelines set in accordance with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 21-01 issued by them and other national government agencies on the Safety Seal Certification Program, and Memorandum Circular 2022-003, respectively.

Accommodation establishments (AE) also no longer need to include the number, nature of work, and length of stay of permitted guests, as well as names of companies or businesses with employees that are booked with the establishment, which are details that the Department previously required from accredited AEs through DOT Administrative Order 2022-001. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the memo is a follow-through of the efforts of their department to assist the economic hardships of tourism stakeholders by issuing regulations pushing for the opening of the country to tourism.

"This latest issuance on the relaxed health and safety guidelines for tourism establishments reinforces the Department of Tourism’s commitment towards addressing the economic hardships of the tourism industry brought about by the lockdowns and restrictions of the pandemic,” said Frasco.

“It sends the important message across that our country is open for tourism, and that we are keeping up with global practices on tourism operations that have already opened up worldwide," Frasco added.