The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) on Thursday welcomed the government’s lifting of restrictions on staycations in Metro Manila after it placed the region under more relaxed Alert Level 3 from October 16 to 31.
In a statement, PHOA Executive Director Benito Bengzon said this ease in restriction bodes well for the hotel sector and would help the industry recover the revenues that were lost during the hard lockdowns due to the surge of the Delta coronavirus variant in August.
“We are optimistic that the relaxed alert level in the National Capital Region will result in greater demand among hotel guests and boost the establishments’ revenues in the last quarter of 2021,” Bengzon said.
“On behalf of all PHOA members, we commit our support to the government’s efforts for the safe and steady restart of the tourism industry,” he added.
Bengzon said PHOA also hopes the government would continue measures that will balance the health and economy in the country.
“This will pave the way for a sustained economic recovery, not only in the hotel industry but also in other business sectors,” he said.
Guests of all ages may check-in for a staycation in accredited hotels across Metro Manila but those unvaccinated are required to submit a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) taken not more than 48 hours before check-in.
According to the Department of Tourism, only accredited hotels with a certificate of authority to operate for staycation (CAOS) and government-issued safety seal certification will be allowed to accommodate staycation guests.
Source: Philippines News Agency
