BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Twenty-eight of the 58 hotels and accommodation establishments here reopened after months of closure due to the community quarantine.
Sandra Ruth Sycip, head of the City Tourism Office, said these establishments secured certifications from the Department of Tourism (DOT).
However, two of them, according to Sycip, intend to reoperate once the number of tourists entering the city starts to pick up.
She said the 28 accommodation establishments could provide a total 1,000 rooms. But as of the moment, most of their occupants are authorized persons outside of residence, or those who are on a business trip in the city.
Other hotels, meanwhile, are still being used as quarantine facilities.
Sycip said more may reopen in the coming weeks as some are already processing their permits with the DOT.
Based on the guidelines issued by the Tourism department in September, only hotels with 4-star or 5-star rating by the agency are allowed to accommodate guests for “staycation” in general community quarantine areas.
Among others, hotels must first apply for and secure Certificates of Authority to Operate for Staycations.
These establishments must follow guidelines on guest handling, including the maximum number of guests per room, as well as health and safety standards for ancillary establishments.
They may also resume operations of ancillary facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, restaurants and other food and beverage outlets, except for bars which remain prohibited in GCQ areas./PN