Ninth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis — in terms of scale, scope, and trajectory — has impacted the tourism sector in a way none of the earlier crises have affected the sector. The closing of borders, airports, and hotels as well as restrictions on mass gatherings, land travel and related services across the world in the first ten months of 2020 represente fewer international tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2019 and translated an estimated loss of 910 billion to 1.2 trillion US dollars in international tourism receipts; A unified call for financial and political support for recovery measures aimed at tourism, and to include support for the sector in the wider recovery plans and actions of affected economies is of utmost importance. Numerous local organizations were elated with the lifting of restrictions in all sectors and one of them is The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) noting that this will further boost travel and tourism activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, as lockdowns and strict protocols were implemented for the past two years, travelers for leisure and recreation have been dying to go out and do what they have used to practice during pre-pandemic times. This study aims to understand the current situation of the business sector in The Philippines particularly the Leisure and Recreation Sector of the Tourism Industry in REGION IV – A and to suggest what hybrid approach of operations can be tailored to fit in and adapt to the travel’s new normal.