Better Travel Opportunities this 2022

The future of the local tourism industry seems brighter this year as the government has eased inbound travel restrictions for foreigners and returning Filipinos and reclassified the National Capital Region and 38 other areas to Alert Level 1.

The reduced travel restrictions come in the heels of the continuing decline of COVID-19 cases and healthcare utilization, coupled with the increase in the number of vaccinated Filipinos.

According to the UN World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer January 2022 report, 61% of tourism professionals are optimistic that international tourism could see a 30-70% growth this 2022, which is still below the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The UNWTO report also stated that domestic travel would continue to propel tourism as tourists seek nearby destinations that are less crowded and have nature-based attractions and activities.

The Philippines felt the uptick in early February as the Department of Tourism reported 21,974 registered tourists on the One Health Pass platform, 11,900 foreigners, and 10,074 balikbayans.

Tourism touchpoints such as hotels and resorts have installed health and safety protocols and fully-vaccinated personnel to assure tourists' safety.

Despite these efforts, there is still a risk of contracting the virus while on vacation. Although a traveler may have taken all the necessary precautions in planning their trip, it is a reality that we are still in the midst of a pandemic.

For additional protection, travelers are advised to secure travel insurance to cover their medical expenses should they fall ill with the virus while on their trip.

A travel policy like Malayan Insurance Co. Inc.'s Travel Master with COVID-19 Cover conveniently guarantees peace of mind and financial security should vacationers becomes sick, injured, or encounter travel inconveniences. This affordable non-life insurance policy is offered to those going overseas, traveling inbound to the Philippines, or touring within the country.

For as low as PhP 910 for a four-day domestic trip or PhP1 ,090 for an international journey (Non-Asian), Travel Master policyholders are assured of emergency medical treatment and hospitalization due to COVID-19 plus daily hospital allowance if they contract the virus while they're away.

Policyholders may choose insurance limits from Php1.5 Million Pesos (USD29,000), PhP2.5M (USD50,000) or PhP5M (USD100,000), which is very well within Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force's requirement of at least USD35,000 worth of travel insurance coverage.

"There is no such thing as taking too many safety precautions, especially when going out-of-town. Comprehensive travel insurance like Malayan's Travel Master with COVID-19 Coverage is necessary for all travelers during the pandemic. It frees tourists from undue worries that could steal their enjoyment while on vacation and provides comfort to family members if travelers fall ill at any time," said Paolo Y. Abaya, president & CEO of Malayan Insurance.

Aside from the extensive Covid-19 Coverage, Travel Master policyholders are protected from the financial burden of personal accidents, unprovoked assault, murder, terrorism, personal liability for property damage and bodily injury. They will also receive benefits for travel inconveniences like delayed flights and baggage and lost travel documents, cash, bags, and laptops.

Recognized as the "Best Travel Insurance Policy in the Philippines for 2021" by the UK's Global Banking & Finance Review, the Travel Master policy with COVID-19 Coverage will surely help Filipino and international travelers regain their confidence in exploring the world despite the pandemic.