The local tourism industry is excited as government eased inbound travel restrictions for foreigners and returning Filipinos.
And foreign travelers have in fact started flying in.
According to the UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer January 2022 report, 61 percent of tourism professionals are optimistic that international tourism could see a 30 to 70-percent growth, although still below the pre-pandemic levels.
The UNWTO report also stated that domestic travel would continue to propel tourism as travelers seek less crowded and nature-based attractions and activities.
The Philippines felt the uptick in early February as the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported 21,974 registered tourists on the One Health Pass platform, or 11,900 foreigners, and 10,074 balikbayans.
Tourism touchpoints such as hotels and resorts have installed health and safety protocols and fully-vaccinated personnel to assure tourists’ safety.
Despite these efforts, there is still a risk of contracting the virus while on vacation. Although a traveler may have taken all the necessary precautions in planning their trip, we are still in the midst of a pandemic.
For additional protection, travelers are advised to secure travel insurance to cover their medical expenses should they fall ill with the virus while on their trip.
A travel policy like Malayan Insurance Co. Inc.’s Travel Master with COVID-19 Cover conveniently guarantees peace of mind and financial security should vacationers become sick, injured, or encounter travel inconveniences. This affordable non-life insurance policy is offered to those going overseas, traveling inbound to the Philippines, or touring within the country.
“There is no such thing as taking too many safety precautions, especially when going out-of-town. Comprehensive travel insurance like Malayan’s Travel Master with COVID-19 Coverage is necessary for all travelers during the pandemic. It frees tourists from undue worries that could steal their enjoyment while on vacation and provides comfort to family members if travelers fall ill at any time,” Paolo Y. Abaya, president and chief executive officer of Malayan Insurance, said.
For as low as P910 for a four-day domestic trip or P1,090 for an international journey (non-Asian), Travel Master policyholders are assured of emergency medical treatment and hospitalization due to COVID-19 plus daily hospital allowance if they contract the virus while they’re away.
Policyholders may choose insurance limits from P1.5-million (USD29,000), P2.5-million (US$50,000) or P5-million ($100,000), which is very well within Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force’s requirement of at least $35,000 worth of travel insurance coverage.
Aside from the extensive Covid-19 coverage, Travel Master policyholders are protected from the financial burden of personal accidents, unprovoked assault, murder, terrorism, and personal liability for property damage and bodily injury. They will also receive benefits for travel inconveniences like delayed flights and baggage and lost travel documents, cash, bags, and laptops.
1 UN World Tourism Organization, January 2022, “World Tourism Barometer,” Volume 20, Issue 1, https://webunwto.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2022-01/UNWTO_Barom22_01_January_Excerpt.pdf?lXWPdwSpA0FBYClC_xMHrLYarzBnARrV
2 Department of Tourism, February 21, 2022. “DOT bares higher tourist influx since reopening,” https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/news/dot-bares-higher-tourist-influx-reopening
3 Rocamora, Joyce Anne, Philippine News Agency, February 4, 2020, “Prepare requirements for seamless PH travel, int’l tourists told,”
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167070
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