Collaborative efforts of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Congress of Philippines amidst COVID-19 pandemic
A compilation of the TCP Memorandum Circulars on TCP’s recommendations to DOT on COVID 19 Effect, and the DOT and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolutions and Guidelines from March 2020 – December 2020 for the travel industry.
Further information and details will be accessed on the link provided.
TCP’s Recommendations to DOT on COVID-19 Effect- as conditions
continue to worsen for the tourism industry with the spread of COVID
-19, along with the quarantines now being imposed around the country, to
ensure the industry’s survival following are the recommendations.
- Clear and Focused Messaging from the Government
- Continued Marketing Support to the Stakeholders for Domestic and International Markets
- Financial Assistance
- Finish off infrastructure projects that need to be finished while arrivals are still low, i.e. Boracay
- Moratorium on bank loan payments and credit card payments for accredited Tourism industry stakeholders
- Reduction on corporate income tax
- Financial Assistance to tourism industry workers
- Suspend payments for utilities
- Mandate a suspension of rental payments
- Suspension of the Value Added Tax
Health and Safety Guideline for Governing the Operations of Accommodation Establishments under the New Normal
IATF-EID Permits Travel Agencies Operation – A permission for travel agencies under Category IV to carry administrative and back office work with a skeletal workforce under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Resolution no 51 Letter D.
As requested by the private sector, the DOT and DTI sought and received approval of the IATF-EID.
Foreign Nationals Entry in the Philippines
Age Limit Requirements for Boracay Travelers – the relaxation of age limit requirements for travelers to Boracay Island during Modified General Community Quarantine
Amendment to IATF Resolution No. 52 regarding the temporary suspension of nonessential travel for Filipinos
DOT Update Report on Reopening of Tourism – DOT to the TCP regarding efforts take in preparation for the eventual reopening of tourism.
DOT Reminder for Hotels and Accommodation Establishments – Reiteration of the rules and guidelines covering accommodations establishments allowed to operate. This is in light of the recent complaints and comments received by the DOT regarding inadequate safety and health protocols at some establishments.
Asking for cooperation in following the guidelines to ensure the health not only for the guests but of the staff as well.
IATF-EID Resolution No. 69 for Identified Priority Groups – Amended the Interim Omnibus Guidelines on Surveillance, Case Finding, Contact Tracing, Quarantine or isolation and Testing for COVID-19, for identified priority groups to include international and domestic tourists.
Behind the guidelines include the implementation of a) proper clinical assessment, and b) determining the right text for the right reason under any circumstance.
Guidelines for Staycations Under GCQ
DOT’s signed Memorandum Circular no. 2020-0020B otherwise known as “the Further Amended New Normal Health and Safety Guidelines for Accommodation Establishments and Administrative order No. 2020-006 known as the Guidelines for Staycations under GCQ.
Link to Resources: MC 2020-049 / MC 2020-51
IATF Resolution No. 85 an update on the entry of balikbayans and overseas Filipinos starting December 7, 2020.