Tourism has the most visible struggles during the Covid-19 pandemic. Like in most countries, the pandemic has devastated the tourism industry in the Philippines which is one of the largest business sectors in the country. The closing of borders, airports, hotels, restrictions on mass gatherings, land travel and related services put around millions of jobs at risk as tourist arrivals declined resulting in a substantial loss in local tourism.
Nearly all jobs in the tourism sector are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism jobs that include accommodation for visitors, food and beverage serving activities, different types of passenger transport, transport equipment rental, travel agencies, reservation services activities, as well as cultural activities, and sports and recreational activities. Not only hotel and airlines workers, boatmen and island hopping tour operators also faced the same hardships during the lockdown. The on-going pandemic poses great threat to their livelihood.
The local government of Lapu-Lapu just announced it’s reopening for domestic tourism. The city is now reopening the tour activities which includes the island hopping in Mactan. New guidelines and health protocols have been set. Hopefully this tourism-related activities reopening will revive the economy that was lost due to the pandemic of coronavirus. We are also hoping that the livelihoods of many boatmen in the area have been severely affected by the shutdown with the coronavirus scare could be alleviated eventually.
No doubt that of the best activities that you should not miss in Cebu is an island hopping tour. This way you can explore the best of the clear blue ocean waters around Mactan Island on a 6-hour island-hopping tour in a social distancing way. You can visit Hilutungan, a marine sanctuary which is one of the finest and richest sanctuaries in Cebu Province and do snorkeling, diving and simply dipping in its crystal waters. A visit to Nalusuan which is also an exciting destination for intrepid travelers and enjoy its pristine waters and swim with diverse marine life. Olango island is another must visit destination. With a wide number of attractions to discover and surrounded by extensive intertidal sand flats, mangroves, seagrass beds, corals, this sought-after part of town will not cease to amaze you. Finally and definitely not the least, Pandanon Islands. It is one of the island bars everyone should hop in with its immaculate sand bar, crystal clear waters and pristine white sand beach perfect for swimming or simply chillin the whole day.
By getting an island hopping trip, you would not only enjoy and relieve your stress away but also help the local operators and boatmen in the island survive in this pandemic. By simply being cautious and following strict health protocols and guidelines as mandated by the government, such as always wearing a mask, keeping physical distance and regularly washing of hands, escape from the pandemic is not that hard. It will be a fitting opportunity to enjoy tourism sites!
If you want to visit these Mactan islands, you can book cheap packages or simply rent boats from Cebu Island Hopping Tour!
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