NEWS RELEASE – 07 December 2020: Although the Philippines no guests out yet The Netherlands received, a number of regions are reopening to domestic tourism including Baguio, Boracay, Palawan, Coron, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Siargao and Bohol. In total, more than 7.200 hotels, resorts and other accommodations have been authorized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) with the so-called Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) to be able to receive travelers again. Travelers can find up-to-date information on developments, security measures and open areas at app.philippines.travel.
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Certified and safe travel
“The Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) not only certifies that the hotel is allowed to be open, but also contributes to the confidence of guests, as it lets them know that these accommodations have been inspected and comply with our protocols that follow globally recognized health and safety standards. We are pleased that more and more tourist destinations are opening up again to local travelers," said Tourism Minister Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. Confidence in travel within the Philippines is also supported by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) SafeTravels Seal for the implementation of health, safety and hygiene protocols for safe travel during the Covid 19 pandemic. Award-winning companies such as hotels, airlines, restaurants, tour operators, attractions, transportation and airports use the seal of approval as a guarantee that they comply with health and safety protocols required by the WTTC.
The Philippines
Breathtaking landscapes, friendly people and a diverse underwater world – that's what the Philippines is known for worldwide. This was reaffirmed at the World Travel Awards, where the Philippines won a total of six awards:
- Best Beach Destination in Asia
- Best Tourist Agency in Asia
- Intramuros in Manila as the best tourist attraction in Asia
- Best diving destination in Asia
- Best diving destination in the world
The distinction as a valuable diving destination has been especially gratifying: the Philippines is considered the destination with the greatest underwater biodiversity in the world. The world's highest density of coral species, sunken shipwrecks and the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean enchant aquatic enthusiasts from all over the world.
About Philippines Department of Tourism
7.641 islands and at least as many possibilities: In the Philippines, hospitality, cultural and natural experiences come together. Travelers discover the many facets of the island nation, such as the smallest volcano on Earth, underground rivers or the “Stairs to Heaven” as the lush green rice terraces of Banaue are called. Domestic flights, ship connections and ferries allow comfortable round trips through the three archipelagos of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao - from the capital Manila in the north with influences from the Spanish and American colonial times, to the dream beaches on Boracay and the "Chocolate Hills" on the island of Bohol in the south. Around the islands, the Pacific Ocean is home to 2.000 different fish and 400 different types of coral, enticing divers from all over the world to visit.
