DOT: Safety, security needed in tourism
BESIDES extensive efforts on marketing promotions, tourism stakeholders and local government units (LGU) are encouraged to focus on maintaining security and safety in the province to sustain its high growth arrivals.
“No matter how beautiful the destination is, at the end of the day, tourists look into the safety of the destination,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 Director Shalimar Tamano.
He believes that safety and security are foundations of a sustainable and robust tourism sector.
He cited the likes of Singapore and Japan as top destinations which have implemented tight security and safety programs, the reason they log high tourism arrivals and revenues.
Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of the Network of Independent Travel Agencies, reinforced Tamano’s pronouncements, saying Cebu, which is now poised to welcome more arrivals following the opening of the new airport, must heighten its efforts in ensuring safety and security of guests.
“What we need right now is for the LGUs to implement programs on safety and security as well as programs in cleanliness and orderliness,” said Joseph, adding that any negative news they hear or see online could affect a tourist’s travel decisions.
“We need to work together to create a good impression to our guests so they would keep coming back and entice their family and friends to also visit our country,” he said. “And strengthening our safety and security programs will help us lure them,” he emphasized.
Earlier, Radisson Blu Cebu general manager Stephan Sieberg said he sees a bright future for Cebu.
“It could be a standalone destination. It has its own identity, own culture, own language. There’s a lot of value in the future for this area and the demand for Cebu proves it,” he said.
Seiberg, however, cited safety and security, hygiene, infrastructure as among the important factors tourists consider when visiting a destination.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña on Wednesday commented that Cebu City is “not so safe” anymore, following the series of killings where five deaths were recorded in 13 hours last Tuesday.
But, the Philippine National Police disagreed.
Chief Supt. Debold Sinas was quoted in a report saying he still consider peaceful and good the peace and order situation in Cebu City. (SunStar Cebu)