We care about your safety
The Department of Tourism (DOT) opens the application for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp starting Monday to all DOT-accredited accommodation establishments (AEs) and tourism destinations that are open to local tourists.
"With uniform travel protocols expected to stimulate domestic travel, the need for more establishments for leisure will arise. The DOT encourages all AEs not used as quarantine facilities and tourism destinations that have reopened to apply for the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp to be globally recognized as a fun and 'Safe Travels' facility and destination," DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a news release.
The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp is the world’s first safety and hygiene stamp for travelers to recognize governments and businesses that have adopted global health standardized protocols.
Aside from being promoted in the websites and social media platforms of the DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board, the recipients benefit from global exposure and the vast network of WTTC member organizations as well as brand awareness with the logos distinctly posted on the WTTC website.
Interested applicants must be compliant with the DOT’s health and safety guidelines, adhere to the WTTC Safe Travels Terms and Conditions, and submit the necessary documentary requirements.
Accommodation establishments should submit a letter of intent, accomplished application form, and establishment logo while destinations include the local government unit (LGU) profile, health and safety-related issuances/ordinances, and destination logo.
A total of 33 Department of Tourism-accredited (AEs) accommodation establishments have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council safe travels stamp on Wednesday morning.
The WTTC safe travels stamp is the world’s first safety and hygiene stamp.
The DOT said these are awarded so that travelers can recognize governments and businesses that have adopted global health standard protocols.
Tourism Secretary Puyat led the ceremonial awarding for the 33 hotels from six regions which were duly inspected and endorsed by the regional offices concerned.
The AEs are located in Region VII, 16 of which are in Cebu and Bohol; Region IV-B, all nine are in Palawan; Region VI, all three in Boracay; Region IX, all three in Zamboanga; CAR, one in Baguio City and, Region XI, one in Davao City.
There are now a total of 40 recipients of the safe travels stamp.
These are:
National Capital Region
Aruga by Rockwell
Grand Hyatt Manila
Joy Nostalg Hotels & Suites
Solaire Resort (applicable to hotel operations only)
The Peninsula Manila
Cordillera Administrative Region
Baguio Country Club
The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay
The Manor at Camp John Hay
Region IV-B
Balai Adlao
Casa Kalaw
Club Paradise
El Nido Resorts – Apulit Island Resort
El Nido Resorts – Lagen Island Resort
El Nido Resorts – Miniloc Island Resort
El Nido Resorts – Pangulasian Island Resort
Hotel Covo
Huni Lio
Region VII
Amarela Resort
Amun Ini Resort and Spa
Bai Hotel
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort
Bohol Beach Club Panglao, Bohol
Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa
C Suites at 8 Newtown
Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark
Modala Beach Resort
Mithi Resort and Spa
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa
The Bellevue Resort
The Hotel Elizabeth
Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino (applicable to hotel operations only)
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (applicable to hotel operations only)
Region IX
Grand Astoria Hotel
Hotel Camila 2
Mibang Hotel
Region XI
Seda Abreeza Hotel
The Philippines was granted the stamp in September last year after being assessed as having in place, health and safety guidelines (HSG) that are aligned with the WTTC’s core requirements.
The country then took on the role of Safe Ambassadors, advocating the implementation of the Safe Travel protocols and the enrolment of facilities and destinations.
How to apply for safe travels stamp
Puyat said that while this travel stamp of approval is not required, she encouraged other establishments to apply.
Interested AEs can apply for safe travels stamp by submitting a letter of intent, accomplished application form, and establishment logo while destinations include the local government unit profile, health and safety-related issuances/ordinances and destination logo.
Applications should be coursed through the DOT’s regional offices with email addresses available at www.tourism.gov.ph/regional_offices.aspx.
Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said that the DOT wants these establishments to continue to comply with the minimum guidelines set by the WTTC.
"There will also be a regular check—periodic checks, to make sure that these guidelines are complied with," he said.
The DOT, however, said that those presently converted into quarantine or isolation facilities are not qualified to join.
In January, the DOT awarded the first two stamp holders Grand Hyatt Hotel and Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila.
“Later, five more were added, namely - Aruga by Rockwell, The Peninsula Manila, Solaire Resort, and The Forest Lodge and The Manor at Camp John Hay. In March, we received more than 100 applications coming from the different regions, which also include Mabuhay AEs and destinations,” Puyat said.
“This surge of interest is reflective of their readiness to adapt to the new normal and desire to be globally recognized as a fun and ‘safe travels’ facility,” she added.
Puyat said that as the country awaits reopening to foreign tourists, the DOT is prioritizing the restoration of travelers’ confidence.
“Now that the country’s vaccination program is in full swing, we anticipate that parallel initiatives across the globe will hasten the resumption of international travel,” the tourism chief said.
“As early as now, we need to prepare our facilities and destinations to be visitor-ready, with health and safety as key concerns. The WTTC safe travels stamp, on top of our accreditation, will hope to restore travelers’ confidence in the Philippines as a ‘safe and fun’ destination,” she added.
Credit to: Philstar and Philippine News Agency