DOT confident of tourists’ security in Region-7

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has complete confidence that the military and the police are on top of the security situation in Central Visayas following the recent travel advisory issued by the Korean Embassy warning its citizens against traveling to Bohol.

"In this connection, we are actively coordinating for updates with our local and national security and law enforcement agencies who are fully capable of putting travelers concerns ease," said DOT-7 officer-in-charge Judy Gabato.

The advisory from Korea came in the heels of the clash in Inabanga town in Bohol between government troops and members of the terror group Abu Sayyaf last week. Nine were killed in the encounter, five of whom are bandits.

Gabato said authorities have assured that both international and domestic travelers may continue with their travel plans, even as stakeholders are reminded of usual safety precautions.

"We would like to take this opportunity to impart our outmost gratitude to the selfless dedication of our military and police personnel in ensuring that the country remain a safe and peaceful haven to visit," Gabato said.

Based on records of DOT-7 from January to November 2016, Koreans are the number one tourists (758,451) in Central Visayas, of which 711,644 went to Cebu; 39,229 went to Bohol; 7,227 went to Negros Oriental; and 351 went to Siquijor.

DOT also posted on its website that Korea is the top spending market with receipts amounting to almost P6.5 billion in January 2017 alone.

Korea is in the top 12 markets of the country in terms of highest per capita expenditure for January 2017 wherein a visitor from Korea spends P42,104.33.

DOT added that Korea is the biggest visitor-generating market with arrivals of 154,367, up by 4.89 percent from its arrivals of 147,165

in January last year.

EFFECT

For Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, the advisory will not affect the tourism industry as it is not necessarily a prohibition.

"I don't think so because it is just an advisory, more of just a warning not an absolute prohibition...an advisory could be given to anybody," Labella said.

"There's no problem with that… it doesn't say Koreans do not have to go to the place, it says you should be more careful," he added.

Councilor David Tumulak, the deputy mayor on police matters, said the public and the tourism industry should understand the move of Korea consulate.

He said that as far as Cebu City is concerned, cops and soldiers are strengthening security in ports, malls, streets, and bus terminals. Cebu City is a jump off point to Bohol.

Last Monday, Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu issued a travel advisory for Bohol due to the clash between law enforcers and Abu Sayyaf Group in Inabanga.