ILOILO – The tourism industry of the northern coastal municipality of Carles – known for its many islands and beaches – took a beating from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Between March to September, estimated tourism revenue losses reached P70 million, according to Mayor Siegfredo Betita.
When the province was placed under varying degrees of community quarantine beginning March, all the 35 beach resorts in Carles closed and no tourism-related activities were allowed, according to Betita.
These were precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he explained.
Carles’ tourism industry, however, paid a steep price.
“More or less ang nadula sa amon P50 million to P70 million in revenues kay wala gid kami nagbaton turista. Pierde gid ang tanan nga mga resorts,” said Betita.
Prior to the pandemic, Carles beach resorts raked in P19 million annually in entrance fees alone, the mayor revealed.
Tourism receipts were higher when tourists stayed longer such as spending the night or several days and nights in Carles, Betita added.
As of press time, Carles had no more active COVID-19 cases. All its 15 cases already recovered, according to the Municipal Health Office.
Now that the community quarantine is a bit more relaxed, the municipal government will help the resorts secure accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) so they could reopen, said Betita.
He would be conferring with resort operators on the last week of September, he revealed.
There are several requirements to bag accreditation. Two of these were having a wastewater treatment facility and an area for solid waste.
Betita said the municipal government is willing to help resorts secure bank loans to improve their facilities.
The resorts must also ensure that minimum health standards set by the Department of Health are strictly followed such as the wearing of facemask and face shield, physical distancing and washing of hands with soap and water or disinfectant.
“Everything must be in place bag-o mag-operate,” said Betita.
Among the more popular tourist destinations in Carles are Cabugao Dako and Cabugao Gamay islands, Tangke saltwater lagoon in Barangay Gabi, Gigantes Sur, Bantique Island, Ojatras Island, and Antonia Point in Gigantes Sur.
In 2018, according to the Provincial Tourism Office, Carles registered the most number of tourist arrivals (64,205) among municipalities in Iloilo. It was followed by Estancia (40,513) and Leganes (30,892)./PN
