BAGUIO: As the 'Undas' long weekend approaches, local tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the high demand for accommodations will accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector, which has been significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB), many homestays and transient houses are already 90 percent booked, with some being fully booked. Pinero, who also serves as the client and members relation manager of the Baguio Country Club, noted that the previously projected five-year recovery period for the city's hotels and other accommodations has now been shortened to just three years. This positive shift was credited to the surge of 'revenge travel' experienced in 2022.
Pinero stated that the industry's current focus is not only on recovery but also on improving facilities and continuing to hire staff. Around 60 regular employees have chosen to leave the city permanently to return to their provinces, leaving various roles, including management positions, to be filled.
The long weekend starts from October 28. Malacañang has declared October 30 a non-working day to enable Filipinos to vote in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). November 1, known as All Saints' Day, is a regular holiday, and November 2, All Souls' Day, is designated as a special holiday. Collectively, the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day is known as Undas.
As a cautionary note, Pinero advised the public to consult the list of accredited accommodations from the Baguio Tourism Council to avoid falling victim to scams, emphasizing the frustration of paying for a place only to find no available accommodations upon arrival.