Staycation in NCR is allowed starting October 16

The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Thursday that staycations are now permitted in approved Metro Manila hotels as the region eases to Alert Level 3 from October 16 through the end of the month.

“Check-in for a staycation is open to people of all ages. To protect the safety of all guests, only those aged 18 and over who have been properly vaccinated will be permitted to book their stay “The Department of Transportation stated.

A negative RT-PCR test result is essential for unvaccinated guests, according to the DOT.

Only DOT-accredited staycation hotels with government-issued safety seal certification will be authorized to host staycation guests under the specific standards.

The updated list provided by the DOT includes the following hotels:

Grand Hyatt Hotel
Okada Manila Hotel
Shangri-la at the Fort
Nobu Hotel
Joy Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila
EDSA Shangri-la Manila
Solaire Resort
Hyatt Regency
Nuwa Hotel of City of Dreams
The Peninsula Manila
Aruga by Rockwell
Sheraton Manila Hotel
Hilton Manila
Hotel Okura Manila
Conrad Manila
Diamond Hotel Philippines
Discovery Primea
Discovery Suites
Fairmont and Raffles Hotel
Makati Diamond Residences
Marco Polo Hotel
New World Hotel Makati
Sofitel Philippines Plaza
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati
Century Park Hotel
Novotel Manila Araneta City
The Bellevue Manila
Acacia Hotel Manila
Belmont Hotel Manila

The department said hotels accepting staycations guests are allowed at 100 percent operational capacity.

“This is also very timely, knowing that that the holiday season is fast approaching. Family gatherings are part of the Filipino culture, which makes this an important period for leisure travels and bookings,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE); social events such as weddings, parties, and family reunions; and tourist attractions such as museums, parks plazas, public gardens, and other scenic viewpoints are also permitted under Alert Level 3 at a maximum of 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only, and 50% outdoor venue capacity for individuals regardless of vaccination status.

Since Metro Manila has reached 70 percent vaccination for senior citizens and those with comorbidities, Romulo-Puyat stated that establishments permitted to operate in this area are allowed to expand by 20 percent and another 10 percent if they have been grazed.

Romulo-Puyat said the resumption of staycation and expansion of capacity for restaurants serve as a “big boost” to the sector and would result in the restoration of jobs of displaced tourism workers.

“We welcome the easing of restrictions under the current alert level. The resumption of tourism-related activities in select areas will not only aid hotels and establishments in gradually earning revenue, but will also translate into the restoration of jobs for our displaced tourism workers, especially now that the holiday season is fast approaching,” Romulo-Puyat said

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