MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has defended its decision to allow ‘hotel staycations’ in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) including Metro Manila.
This was after Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat’s confirmed that the Inter-Agency Task Force has permitted the said recreational activity in line with the gradual reopening of the tourism industry amid the enforced community quarantine.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to issue guidelines on the matter.
A staycation allows minimum overnight stay for leisure by a DOT accredited establishment.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, during a televised briefing, responded to concerns that staycations could cause rises in coronavirus cases.
“Sangayon po sa second national action plan po ng ating National Task Force, talaga pong unti-unti nating binubuksan ang ating ekonomiya at ito pong pinaplano ng DOT ay alinsunod sa unti-unting pagbubukas ng sector ng turismo.”
[Translation: In line with the second National Action Plan of the National Task Force, we are gradually opening the economy and the DOT’s plan is aligned with the gradual reopening of the tourism sector.]
“That marks the beginning of reopening of the tourism industry here in Metro Manila. Let’s give it a chance,” he said. MNP (with reports from Rosalie Coz)
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