Hundreds of tourists troop to Samal Island during March 1 reopening
DAVAO CITY - Tourists from outside Davao region may now enjoy island hopping, scuba diving, and other aqua sports activities in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) as the city allows the resumption of resort operations and tourism activities starting Monday, March 1.
In a phone interview with Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, Mar. 2, Information Officer Michael Anthony Homez said almost 1,000 visitors went to the island on Monday.
“Expected talaga namin na mataas kasi holiday yung Davao City (We are really expecting a high volume of visitors because it was holiday in Davao City),” Homez said.
Davao City celebrated its 84th Araw ng Dabaw which Malacanang declared as a special non-working holiday in the city.
Homez said 971 guests were booked on Monday, while a total of 2,465 bookings were recorded by the City Tourism until March 7, as of Tuesday.
“For this weekend, let’s wait and see but we expect it to rise,” he said.
IGACOS City Mayor Al David Uy signed Executive Order No. 277 Series of 2021 allowing the limited resort operations and tourism activities in the island.
According to the EO, the city government requested the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force (RIATF) on February 8, “for an authority to allow the resumption of tourism activities in the City, the same being the main sources of income of most Samaleneos, subject to the standard safety and health protocols.”
Under the EO, only establishments and resorts that have secured Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Certificate of Registration from the City Tourism and Investment Office (CITO) can resume their operations.
“The DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate and LGU Certificate of Registration must be displayed in the resort/accommodation establishments’ front desk together with the Business Permit at all times,” the EO said.
Guests should also secure their bookings ahead since no walk-ins are allowed. Upon their entry to the island, guests from outside Davao Region shall undergo an antigen test conducted by the City Health Office.
“All guests must have a confirmed QR Code ID. The resort facility or accommodation establishment shall facilitate the application of guest/s via www.itracsamal.com. DavNor QR Code ID is allowed,” the EO said.
The city also implements the “No Booking, No QR Code, No Entry Policy.” Minors and senior citizens are also allowed provided that the children are accompanied by their parents. The EO added that no medical certificates shall be required for senior citizens.
Meanwhile, the EO does not require Samal residents for pre-booking “provided that the 75% operational capacity is observed.”
Homez said only the tourists coming from outside the region will be tested. However, he added that for those who will be attending MICE events or Personal Milestones like weddings or birthdays celebrations, the expenses incurred for the required antigen tests “shall be shouldered by the concerned guest or by the host/ organizer/provider.”