THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) on Wednesday reminded hotels and resorts accredited as quarantine facilities that room sharing is allowed for travelers from the same household, especially families with minors and persons needing assistance.
“We have received reports that some DoT-Accredited Accommodation Establishments operating as Quarantine Hotels have been implementing a one-room-one-person policy even for travelers coming from the same household,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement.
“While the Department is aware of the downturns that the pandemic brought to the tourism industry, particularly the accommodation sector, we would like to reiterate that all DoT-accredited establishments must strictly follow the guidelines released by the Department to avoid confusion among travelers who need to quarantine,” she said.
The DoT guidelines, contained in Administrative Order No. 2021-004-A, were approved by the national task force managing the coronavirus response, Department of Health, and the Bureau of Quarantine.
The rules require single occupancy for quarantine guests from different households, while room sharing is encouraged for those belonging to the same household and guests requiring a companion such as minors, persons with disability, or senior citizens.
“We all share the same struggles but it is imperative that we implement the right policies to help our kababayans who want to return to the country,” the tourism chief said.