The Department of Tourism (DOT) released travel guidelines Friday to help tourists navigate the busy Holy Week period, when millions of Filipinos traditionally travel to provincial destinations.
The advisory urges travelers to book only DOT-accredited establishments, identifiable by the department’s official seal, to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
“Plan ahead and avoid the rush,” the advisory says, warning of heavy traffic and limited accommodations during the peak religious observance.
Holy Week, locally known as “Semana Santa,” represents one of the year’s busiest travel periods in this predominantly Catholic nation, as residents journey to coastal destinations, mountain retreats and pilgrimage sites.
Tourism officials stressed respectful behavior when visiting religious sites, recommending appropriate attire and observing silence at churches and heritage locations.
The advisory also provides practical guidance for the tropical climate, advising travelers to stay hydrated, pack light and wear breathable clothing.
A 24-hour tourist assistance hotline (151-TOUR) offers support in Filipino, English, Korean and Mandarin for emergencies or general inquiries.
Holy Week tourism contributes enormously to the country’s economy, with popular destinations including Boracay, Mindoro, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu typically seeing accommodation bookings reach full capacity during the period.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference previously projected that millions will participate in traditional processions, Visita Iglesia (church visits), and passion plays across the archipelago’s 7,641 islands.
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