Souvenir shops and stall owners along Kennon Road are appealing to the City Government of Baguio to open the famous Kennon Road to all motorists and tourists as the City starts to ease up restrictions to non-essential travels.
According to one of the souvenir shop operators along Kennon Road, particularly at the Lion’s head area, they suffered from heavy losses since the start of lockdowns. Rebecca Pulas said their daily sales dropped to nearly zero after tourists and non-resident motorists were barred from passing Kennon Road.
Pulas said that some of them shifted to selling potted plants bought by die-hard “plantitas” to earn. She added, they also have to sell their souvenir items to other places if only to get liquid.
They have been losing up to P5,000.00 daily on their souvenir shop as only a few pass by them. She also revealed that most of their souvenir items are somewhat old stocks because costumers are in trickles.
On October 25, 2021, Baguio City started allowing non-essential travels into the city. The travellers however especially tourists particularly the adults, must be fully vaccinated and they should register at visita.baguio.gov.ph and must presenr required documents.
Pulas said they hope the Baguio City government will hear their pleas. She also hopes that tourists will start visiting their shops especially with the Christmas season.
