(File photo)
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday asked local government units (LGUs) to simplify their entry requirements, following reports that some tourists in Boracay missed their flights for not getting the codes QR required on time.
“The DOT expresses its concern over the numerous complaints related to the delayed processing of visitor requests, resulting in missed flights and disrupted travel schedules, particularly from leisure travelers seeking entry into the Municipality of Malay which covers the island of Boracay, ”he added. the ministry said.
The DOT has contacted the relevant LGU and called for simplifying travel requirements for visitors.
He said the streamlining of services for tourists is “an essential element in ensuring the recovery of the island’s tourism industry and workforce which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Classes”.
“While the department understands the challenges and restrictions that hamper LGUs, it notes the importance of facilitating in a timely manner such requests imposed on visitors by LGUs themselves,” added the DOT.
The processing of entry conditions for local tourists falls within the remit of the LGU.
As of November 16, Boracay removed its swab testing requirement for fully vaccinated leisure tourists, but still requires visitors to submit documents such as a VaxCert PH certification or an LGU-issued vaccination certificate.
In addition to this, they must obtain confirmation through Aklan Province, which will then send a QR code which will be used to enter the resort island.
In a November 15 statement, the Malay-Boracay Tourism Board advised affected tourists to refer to the Aklan provincial office for QR issues.
“(The) Malaysian tourism board and Boracay 24/7 tourist information hotline do not have access to Aklan’s validation office which processes tourists’ QR codes,” he said. -he declares.
The DOT reminded LGUs that the rate at which the tourism sector could rebound from all its losses “will be largely determined by the policies that will be implemented by the national and local government, and the participation and cooperation of its tourism stakeholders. and the traveling public. ” (ANP)
