Pristine waters, lush greeneries, elegant resorts, and experience with nature are some of the things we think first when we plan a vacation in the Philippines. A tropical dream destination, some may say.  However, in an unprecedented blow to the tourism sector, the COVID-19 pandemic has cut both international tourist and locals arrival in the first quarter of 2020 to a fraction of what they were a year ago. Travel and tourism is among the most affected sectors with airplanes on the ground, hotels closed and travel restrictions put in place in virtually all countries around the world. According to the World Tourism Organization, “available data points to a double-digit decrease of 22% in Q1 2020, with arrivals in March down by 57%. This translates into a loss of 67 million international arrivals and about USD 80 billion in receipts.” This will in turn result in hundreds of people in the tourism industry losing their jobs.

In the midst of it all, the Department of Tourism has  released two viable options and are still convening for more to make sure that our Tourism still strives:

1. Allow foreign tourists from virus-free countries to visit select tourist spots here. Through this, we can open our doors to the public without compromising the safety of the public. As long as the virus can be contained, accepting tourists that have not been exposed to it is the most logical thing to do. 

2. Rehabilitation and restructure projects of some tourist spots. We have to make sure that when all this is over, our tourist spots can have more to offer than ever. After months of being stuck at home, doing house chores, and keeping up with deadlines, a breathtaking view is one that tourists will be vying for. 

Personally, how can we help tourism recover?

1. Rebooking Cancelled Trips- By re-booking trips, we give hope to our local tourism sector that after this pandemic, customers will still be there. From this act, when everything is over and safe, will bud a new era for travelling. One that is more pure and in the moment because today more than anything, most of us have realized the value of the little things. 

2. Book in Local Resorts in Davao- These local resorts are barely surviving through this pandemic. Most Davao Resorts had to be shut down and most of them had to lay-off people in order to survive. After all this chaos, booking a family gathering or perhaps a night out with the barkada will not only be memorable to you but to the resort as well. 

Whatever path we take after this pandemic is still up to us. But it is worth noting that the only way we can get through this is through lifting each other up. There are many family resorts in Davao that have been severely affected by the pandemic, we can start our journey to supporting local through them. Or perhaps you’ve missed to be in one of the best resorts in Davao City, Malagos Garden Resort-- the experience of nature and a step closer to a peaceful, quiet afternoon. As much as we’d love to offer this again to you, we still have to adhere to the strict rules and regulations implemented in our City. For now, in an effort to bring a part of nature to your homes, the Malagos Homegrown Produce now has potted plants and herbs available for delivery. If you miss the taste of earth and savor in our dishes, we also offer hearty meals, fresh produce, meal kits--that will make any meal a sure-hit to the family. During and after this pandemic, the solution to move forward is simple: we start from our roots and together, we take that leap forward.