Puyat meets with Bohol execs to tackle tourism situation, recovery plans
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat assured the officials and tourism players of Bohol on that reopening the island province to tourism would not be pursued at the expense of public health and safety.
The tourism chief made the assurance in a press conference after a meeting with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, Bohol Governor Arthur C. Yap, District Representatives including the Father of the Republic Act (R.A.) 9593 or the “Tourism Act of 2009” Cong. Edgar Chatto (1st District), and local chief executives of the 47 towns of the province to discuss the present situation, plans for the local tourism industry’s recovery, and the viability of resuming tourism activity in the island province.
“We will always respect the decision of the LGU in determining when tourism operations should resume. We will always work with you and coordinate with you regarding health and safety standards,” Puyat said, noting the province’s target to open its doors to visitors in the last quarter of the year.
During the dialogue, Governor Yap said the province will be employing the Ultimate Bohol Experience certification system that will award an “UBE Seal” to establishments that are compliant with health and safety protocols. The UBE Seal, inspired by the province’s special food crop — the Ube Kinampay, will complement the DoT’s accreditation system, added the Governor.
Together with Secretary Año, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Atty. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, and Intramuros Administrator and Head of the Task Force on Domestic Tourism Product and Market Development Atty. Guiller Asido, Puyat inspected health and safety protocols of the DoT- accredited Modala Resort and Bellevue Resort both located in Panglao.