Coron, Palawan opens its beaches, hotels on Dec. 1 – Manila Bulletin

The Department of Tourism (DOT) supports Coron, Palawan’s decision to ease its travel restrictions starting Dec. 1, allowing local tourists from ages 15 to 65 years old to enter the island under a test-before-travel policy.

Coron Island is considered an adventure paradise known for leisure activities like wreck diving, kayaking, island-hopping, and snorkeling, among others. The island also boasts a rich marine biodiversity, white sand beaches, mangrove swamps, and turquoise crystal-clear lakes. The island also offers a serene experience at the Maniquit Hot Springs and picturesque view at top of Mt. Tapyas.

“We’re grateful for the decision of the local government officials and tourism stakeholders of Coron to finally welcome local visitors from all over the country. This will further help the tourism community of Palawan thrive during this time and bring back lost jobs to tourism workers,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

She added that the DOT will continue to extend support to the provincial government by ensuring that necessary health and safety protocols are strictly enforced in tourist sites, hotels, and other tourism-related establishments that seek to accommodate tourists from Luzon.

As of  Nov. 29, the DOT has issued Certificates of Authority to Operate (CAO) to a total of 10 hotels and resorts in Coron. But the tourism department’s regional office will regularly check these establishments for compliance with health and safety standards.

Meanwhile, the DOT reminded tourists planning to visit the island to strictly adhere to the province’s protocols for travelers.

“As we gradually reopen destinations, we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our visitors and tourism workers to prevent the spread COVID-19 in the country. We remind our LGUs to enforce and monitor the minimum health and safety standards such as the wearing of face masks and shields, regular hand sanitizing and observance of physical distancing,” Puyat said. 

Tourists must first acquire a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result within 72 hours before travel. They must also have a pre-arranged booking at DOT-certified accommodation establishments and tour operators, as tour packages and travel itineraries need to be booked in advance, and must also register and fill-out the online health declaration form, which can be accessed at www.corontourism.ph.

Once the registration is approved, visitors will be given a unique QR code, which will serve as a pass upon entry and while in Coron. Upon check-in, they need to present the negative RT-PCR test, roundtrip ticket, and confirmed booking itinerary.

All tourists will undergo a health assessment at the triage area of Busuanga Airport. If found to be symptomatic, antigen testing will be required with a fee of P3,500 to be paid by the tourist, and if tested positive, will be brought to the isolation room of the booked hotel.

Since tours are pre-booked, all tourists are subject to regulated movement…