COVID-19 pandemic and the resort-based tourism industry in Calamba City and Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

Margaret Calderon; Vanessa Palma-Torres; Jan Joseph Dida; Analyn Codilan; Angela Marie Alducente; Canesio Predo

Margaret M. Calderon Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Vanessa M. Palma-Torres Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Jan Joseph V. Dida Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Analyn L. Codilan Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Angela Marie S. Alducente Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Canesio D. Predo Institute of Renewable Natural Resources, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords: coping with pandemic impacts, private resorts, recreation, visitors’ resort preferences

Abstract

The paper discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the resort-based industry in Calamba City and Los Baños in Laguna, Philippines, particularly on private resorts. The pandemic led to the total closure of these resorts from March to May 2020 and their intermittent opening afterward. A resort inventory showed 1,009 private resorts in the study area, and losses were estimated at PHP 1.72 B (USD 34.4 M) from March 2020 to February 2021. To cope with the pandemic’s effects, resort managers intend to initiate resort disinfection, require personnel to use face masks and shields, and limit the number of visitors. They plan to promote their resorts through online platforms to boost visitation rates. A visitor survey revealed that most respondents would still visit resorts in the area if health and safety protocols were followed. A higher preference for private resorts than public resorts was observed. Many respondents recognized that the new health and safety standards for resorts may result in higher fees. To cope with the pandemic’s effects, retrofitting the resorts, complying with and training personnel on health and safety protocols, and using digital marketing tools and online platforms to promote the private resorts are recommended. Coming from prolonged periods of closure and irregular opening, the resorts need the assistance of the local government units and national government agencies to access financing, build capacity, and disseminate information about the proper and safe way of enjoying resort-based tourism to facilitate the recovery of this industry.