Cebu tops tourism destinations list despite killings

Cebu is still the number one tourist destination in the Philippines and has not been affected by the recent spate of killings allegedly in connection with the anti-illegal drug campaign.

In a press conference, Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said that she is sure the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on top of these crimes.

But with regards to tourist arrivals, Cebu is placed at 27.7 percent higher this year compared to the same period last year.

“In fact, after Boracay was closed, all the tourists went instead to Cebu. I don’t see Cebu as a criminal city because of consistent tourist arrivals. Tourists like Cebu’s best foods, most hospitable people and good sites,” Puyat said.

Puyat’s son, with companions from London, went to Cebu and Bohol tourists spots, and their favorite is Kawasan Falls in Badian town.

“Cebu’s best foods, good sites and good people overpower whatever (incidents) and I’m sure the government is doing its best to handle the security problem,” Puyat said.

On the other hand, Puyat lauded the plan of Rep. Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa to imitate here in Cebu the government’s move to close Boracay for cleanup, which means he is for sustainable tourism like President Rodrigo Duterte.

She said they are sending letters to violators of environmental laws hoping that they will later be compliant.

“When they refuse to follow, that will be the time we will close their establishments. But it will be unfair to close down a place when there are establishments that are compliant of the law,” Puyat said.