DOT welcomes lifting of Taiwan travel ban

February 16, 2020

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed the lifting of the travel ban on Taiwan to minimize the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global scare on the local tourism industry.

“The lifting of the travel ban on Taiwan is highly assuring and we hope that the nCov crisis would soon be resolved, worldwide.  Ultimately, the recovery of all affected countries is a universal prayer, especially that tourism is an inclusive and sustainable business for and of the people,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette-Romulo-Puyat.

The temporary ban on Taiwan was lifted by the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases after it was  established that Taiwan has been implementing very strict and excellent  protocols in handing travelers.

The Task Force underscored the need to review on a regular basis how the Philippines' source countries  heighten precautionary measures and implement stricter protocols to contain the corona virus disease.Taiwan is the country’s fifth largest tourist source market raking up an impressive double-digit increase of 37.07 percent for its 305,570 arrivals in Jan. to Nov. 2019.

All preventive and precautionary measures have been put in place by the national government to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

The guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterprises during this global emergency are being implemented in hotels and resorts around the country and facilities are equipped with infrared thermometers and more hand sanitizers.

The temporary entry ban for tourists coming from China, its Special Administrative Regions (SARs), Hong Kong and Macau, and the 14-day quarantine for Filipinos coming from the said places is still in effect.

Meanwhile, the tourism sector rallied behind the DOT to mitigate impact on inbound tourism by rolling out a tactical program that will offer more value-added tour packages, discounted accommodation rates and marked-down prices for domestic flights. DMS