Paradise Refreshed
Pristine landscapes and thoughtful safety measures await as destinations around the Philippines gear up to welcome back tourists.
Today’s hyper-developed world sometimes makes us long for a portal to the past. But visitors to Boracay might be forgiven for thinking they’ve journeyed back in time as they step onto its powder-soft sands.
Refreshed following months of being off-limits due to the 2020 pandemic, the Philippines’ most famous island is harking back to a golden era – with deserted beaches, a lush unspoiled interior, and peaceful resorts reminiscent of its days as the ultimate perfect idyll.
“It’s like it was in the 1970s. The sea is so clear and the beaches are so clean.”
“Boracay has faced various challenges over the years: typhoons, enforced closures, and now the pandemic. But the beauty of the island has endured,” says Datu Yap, a municipal councilor who belongs to one of the founding families on the island.
Despite its old world charm, Boracay is far from retro in its handling of the pandemic. Health and hygiene measures have been introduced to ensure the safety and peace of mind of travelers at this time. So, much like other popular destinations around the Philippines, Boracay is also gearing up to safely welcome back visitors.
Hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other tourism-related enterprises are required to comply with health and safety guidelines laid down by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and enforced by the provincial and local governments.
The guidelines include regular temperature checks, documentation for effective contact tracing, a compulsory health declaration upon arrival, and mandatory wearing of face masks.
Physical distancing of at least a meter is required — even for those exploring the aquamarine waters near Boracay and other diving hotspots around the country, such as the beautiful island of Bohol.
Other provisions include feet sanitizing mats at hotel and restaurant entrances and use of disposable gloves when handling cash or documents, or materials that are passed from person to person.
The guidelines have been introduced to ensure optimal reassurance for guests during “the new normal”. These cautious measures are expected to remain in place until such a time that the disease is fully eradicated and no longer poses a risk.
“The pandemic has been destructive, but it has also forced us to look at the bigger picture and get creative for the road ahead.”
“Our housekeeping team has been retrained to meet enhanced standards of sanitization. We are making booking arrangements more flexible to mitigate the uncertainty of the travel situation. And we are also providing guests with kits that include face masks, sanitizer, and compact, customized guides to Boracay. This will help minimize personal contact between guests and staff,” says Wesley van der Voort, resort manager at Villa Caemilla Beach on Boracay.
With its low Covid-19 case count and stringent protocols in place, Boracay is well placed to lead from the front as the tourism industry in the Philippines reopens.