MAKATI CITY -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on 21 July (Wednesday) reminded accredited Accommodation Establishments operating as Quarantine Hotels to allow room sharing for certain individuals belonging in the same household traveling together, especially families with minors.

“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. 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,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has confirmed the need to comply with the DOT Administrative Order that allows certain individuals under mandatory quarantine to stay in the same room. Such Administrative Order was issued with the approval of the Department of Health (DOH) and Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

“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,” added the tourism chief.  

Based on DOT Administrative Order No. 2021-004-A, single occupancy is required for quarantine guests from different households.

Room sharing is encouraged for quarantine guests belonging to the same household and guests requiring a companion, such as minors, PWDs or senior citizens, or as may be prescribed by the DOH or the BOQ.

“If we want to fast-track the recovery of the industry, tourism stakeholders should also help the Department in properly implementing such measures. We need your continued support as we see more Filipino travelers wanting to return home,” the tourism chief emphasized. (DOT)