Through the eyes of an Allstar: Inside Bohol’s tourism bubble

Through the challenges we face in both our personal and professional lives, it is always important to remember the physical and psychological benefits of taking a breather once in a while. Pre-pandemic, maintaining a healthy work-life balance was much simpler. We could easily meet up with our friends over a meal, attend fitness classes at our favorite gym, and even plan and plot our vacations throughout the year. 

But in the midst of a global pandemic, it has become nearly impossible to unwind and relax due to our hectic work schedule, let alone the ever changing community quarantine guidelines and travel restrictions. How can one visit their favorite tourist destination, without worrying and possibly contracting Covid? 

Allstar Customer Experience

For AirAsia Philippines, customer experience is something that is ingrained in our system. We have always put our People First, and take this to heart now more than ever. We work towards providing the best service our guests deserve, and swiftly adapt to the various changes being implemented by local and global authorities, ensuring that we communicate accurate information to all our guests. Our digitized systems, and heightened safety protocols are in place to ensure that our guests are able to travel to their desired destinations, swiftly and safely. 

As we continue to rebuild confidence in air travel, Allstar Guest Services Assistant turned Communications and Public Affairs Photographer Ynah took some snaps as she shares her recent experience of new normal leisure travel, especially to those looking to take a getaway as summer is fast approaching.

Getting inside the bubble

During the last quarter of 2020, Filipinos and tourists within the country were introduced to the ‘tourism bubble’ concept; a way in which people could travel to neighboring provinces provided that they submit necessary documents, abide by the health protocols in place. The travel bubble is in support of local economies and domestic tourism, as these have been severely affected by the pandemic.

The tourism bubble is a safe and systematic solution helpful to local governments that limits the possibility of contracting Covid-19 as tourists are required to pre-register for proper contact tracing, test prior to travel, choose among the allowable destinations and activities within the destination, among others.

Among those destinations which first implemented the tourism bubble were Baguio, Boracay, and the Province of Bohol.  

So how does one get inside the “tourism bubble”? Ynah shares with us her experience as she traveled to Bohol. 

1. A negative RT-PCR test is among the top requirements for domestic travels in the Philippines.  Whether it is for leisure or work/business-related travel, you will be required to take your RT-PCR test at least 72 hours before your actual flight.

Be sure to take your RT-PCR test with a DOH accredited testing center.  Local Government Units and other IATF attached agencies are keen on verifying the authenticity of an RT-PCR test result, as there have been instances where dubious results were used. 

Sample Tour Itinerary

2. After testing negative for Covid-19, it’s time to book your flight, hotel and tour!  Do it yourself (DIY) tours are strictly prohibited.  So, remember that it must be legit too!  

3. Register at Bohol Provincial Tourism Office thru visitbohol2020@gmail.com, boholtourismoffice@gmail.com, boholtourismoffice@yahoo.com, tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of the QR code for contactless contact tracing as you enter and exit hotels, restaurants, tourist spots and other establishments included in the tourism bubble.  
QR codes are also available when you download the Bohol Tourist App.    

4. Register at Panglao LGU at tourismpanglao@gmail.com for the Certificate of Acceptance.  Remember that you will not be allowed entry to Panglao without the Certificate of Acceptance.     

You will have to wait for at least 24 to 48 hours to receive these requirements.  So, while waiting, you might want to pack your extra face mask, face shield, hand sanitizer, and other travel essentials. 

The whole process is quite simple, just be sure to check official updates from the LGU you are visiting for changes in their requirements and protocols. 

In the next Part, Ynah will share her airport and inflight experience.

Certificate of Acceptance required to enter