A SETBACK FOR SUMMER TOURISM

Stakeholders worry that the latest travel advisories will affect the summer season, considered one of their busiest.

Central Visayas’ twin tourism destinations, Cebu and Bohol, are facing a challenge—a travel warning from the US Embassy which, according to tourism players, may affect arrivals this summer season.

A day after Cebu concluded its hosting of this year’s ASEAN related meetings, the US Embassy on Sunday issued a warning to its citizens over possible kidnappings by terrorist groups in Central Visayas, which includes Cebu and Bohol.

The embassy said the report they received came from “unsubstantiated yet credible information.” It advised US citizens “to carefully consider this information as you make your travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.”

Yesterday, Canada and the United Kingdom issued similar warnings.

While they fully understand the concern of the US government, the Department of Tourism (DOT) maintains that “the country remains generally a safe and pristine haven for international and domestic tourists.”

Assurance

In a text message sent by DOT 7 Officer-in-Charge Judy Gabato yesterday, she said that the Philippine law enforcement authorities and security forces are on top of the country’s peace and order situation.

“In response to the latest US travel advisory, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) are already looking into the veracity of reports,” she said.

“To allay fears over unsubstantiated reports of threats to foreign nationals visiting, the PNP and AFP have beefed up security measures in those areas and elsewhere in the country.”

Tourism stakeholders said the travel warning is unfortunate news for tourism,particularly this season, when foreign arrivals in both provinces usually shoot up.

“This is obviously unfavorable news for travel in the region. I just hope this will be addressed and lifted soonest,” said tourism advocate Jonathan Jay Aldeguer.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Melanie Ng encouraged the public to be calm but more cautious and vigilant. She advised the public to report suspicious actions to proper authorities.

“It is unfortunate that another travel advisory was issued. We will continue our efforts to make sure our tourism and trade activities will not be affected by it,” said Ng.

“There is no danger in Cebu and Bohol. As of the moment, we are monitoring the effect of the latest US travel advisory,” said Carlo Suarez, president of the Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu.

Preparation

Bohol’s tourism industry, on the other hand, is taking precautions.

Rommel Gonzales, president of Bohol’s Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants, said law enforcement authorities and the local government units are aware of the travel warning and have put in place action plans to prevent untoward incidents that may affect tourism.

“There is no cancellation of groups nor individual bookings so far,” said Gonzales, who is the president of Panglao Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Cebu and Bohol are twin star destinations in the region. Both complement each other’s tourism strengths and weaknesses. After staying a day or two in the metropolis, guests usually cross to Bohol for a countryside tour.

Staying positive

Cebu Association of Tour Operator Specialists (Catos) President Alice Queblatin said that tour operators will be more cautious in planning outdoor activities and ensure the safety of guests. “As agents, we give personal assessment and updates on security status. Unless necessary, we do not add more negative news. Rather, we inform them on the positive steps taken,” said Queblatin.

Catos believes the advisory could discourage arrivals from the US but the decline may not be as remarkable as Asians are still the region’s major visitors.

“This latest advisory is directed more to a specific nationality, and our other productive markets like Japanese, Korean, European and those from ASEAN do not change travel plans because of advisories,” she noted.

Six months ago, the US Embassy issued a similar travel warning in Cebu, identifying the southern part of the island. The UK and Canada also issued their own warnings soon after.