SIXTEEN accommodation establishments (AEs) composed of city hotels and resorts in Central Visayas have been issued the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp.
Of the 16, nine properties are from Cebu Province while seven are from the island of Bohol.
The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp was issued to Bai Hotel, Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa, C Suites at 8 Newtown, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa, The Hotel Elizabeth, Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino (applicable to hotel operations only) and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (applicable to hotel operations only).
In Bohol, Amarela Resort, Amun Ini Resort and Spa, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort, Bohol Beach Club Panglao, Bohol, Modala Beach Resort, Mithi Resort and Spa and The Bellevue Resort were awarded with the stamps too.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat awarded the safe travel stamps during a virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
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.
Welcome move
Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu president Alfred Reyes welcomed the move, saying it would greatly benefit the accommodation establishments to be included in an internationally recognized list of properties with the highest Covid-19 safety protocols.
“It’s an honor for properties to be awarded by the stamp,” said Reyes, explaining that once a property is given a stamp it means it is compliant with the international safety standards.
The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp also boosts trust and confidence among travelers.
Reyes urged other AEs to apply for the stamp to entice Covid-conscious travelers to stay in their properties.
“With uniform travel protocols expected to stimulate domestic travel, the need for more establishments for leisure will arise. The Department of Tourism (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,” said Puyat in a statement.
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 at the WTTC website. (JOB)