The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday released an order which eased further the health and safety guidelines enforced in tourism enterprises in the country.
Based on DOT Memorandum Circular (MC) 2023-0002 dated February 27 and signed by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, wearing face masks indoors and outdoors settings are now voluntary.
With this, the DOT said the signage, visual cues, and other installations that asks travelers to wear face masks shall be removed.
Travelers are also no longer required to present proof of vaccination when entering tourism enterprises.
Meanwhile, the use of plastic, acrylic barriers, and dividers in tourism establishments are no longer mandated.
The tourism department also said it will no longer issue the PH safety seal and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp to tourism establishments, destinations, and tourist attractions.
Likewise, the DOT Regional Offices are also no longer required to report the following:
- contact number, nature of work, and length of stay of guests
- companies or business enterprises whose employees are booked with the accommodation establishment
According to DOT, there is a need to relax the guidelines to encourage tourists and travelers to travel in the country.
