La Union Lays out Tourism Activities Amid Pandemic
By: Rafael Mosuela, GPC-SP | Photo By: Sonny Buenaventura, PIO | Date: September 29, 2020
The La Union Provincial Tourism Office headed by Mr. Adamor Dagang presented the plans for the anticipated tourism bubble between Provinces in Region 1 and the City of Baguio dubbed as “The Ridge and Reef” travel corridor during the session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on September 29, 2020.
Mr. Dagang said the province is ready for the gradual opening of tourism set in two phases that include Phase 1 as Intra-Corridor Travel aimed to be completed in two months; and Phase 2 for the expanded travel corridor projected months after the launch.
Specific areas covered in the province allowed to travel for leisure in La Union are San Juan, Bauang and San Gabriel. The types of tours organized include five-day tours featuring mini-circuits within provinces; pre-arranged “staycations” or “workstations” (work at hotels/resorts) with stays longer than five days; and weddings or small event destinations (less than five days), as arranged by Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited local tour operators assisted by DOT and local government unit tourism offices. Also during the guided tours, they must follow the itinerary which should be strict and curated
In the time being, day tours (those not staying overnight) and do-it-yourself tours are not allowed. Tourist movement will be closely monitored by a tour operator and hotel management in all areas.
During travel, documents will be checked electronically or they can print it out and show it border stop, and then after the border they will be required to go to the tourist one stop shop. The La Union Visitor Information and Travel Assistance (NAPANAM) application will be used to register and approve incoming tourists in the planned partial opening of tourism to the three areas.
Not allowed to travel to the Baguio-Pangasinan-La Union-Ilocos Sur-Ilocos Norte (BLUPISIN) Travel Corridor are individuals aged 60 years of age and above (may be modified any time with the advice from medical and health agencies), pregnant women, and individuals with existing high-risk health conditions.
Travels are on first-come-first-served basis, tourist registrants during the initial phase will be 50 tourists allowed in La Union.
Pit stops have been identified for tourist for quick rest or snacks. A green lane for tourist will be established to promote the safe travel and seamless interconnectivity of land voyage in respective territorial jurisdiction, subject however, to various health and safety protocols.
