The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday maintained that Cebu remains a safe and open for tourism, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake last September.
The DOT, in a statement, said major hotels, ports, and airports in Metro Cebu, particularly Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu Baseport, and seaports in Santa Fe, Maya, and Kawit, are fully operational.
Likewise, hotels such as Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu; Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan; Radisson Blu Cebu; Seda Ayala Center Cebu; Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino; Quest Hotel and Conference Center – Cebu; and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu reported no structural damage and remain fully operational.
Meanwhile, other hotels that previously reported minor damage have already resumed normal operations following inspections confirming the properties are safe for accommodation, with no guest injuries reported.
The DOT also stated that dive and island destinations like Malapascua and Gato Island remain safe for diving and island tours, citing the Provincial Government of Cebu and accredited dive operators who have already conducted marine ecosystem assessments.
‘Tourism operations across Cebu and the Central Visayas region remain business as usual, with most public areas, heritage sites, and accommodation facilities already inspected and declared structurally sound by authorities,’ the DOT said.
Hence, the DOT said it will continue with all scheduled events and activities in Cebu, affirming that the province remains safe and open to visitors following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake last September and subsequent aftershocks.
‘We, at the DOT, encourage tourism operations in Cebu not only to attract visitors to explore the island’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, but most importantly to sustain the livelihood of our tourism stakeholders who depend on the continued vibrancy of tourism activities,’ Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said.
Meanwhile, the DOT assured that it has already conducted multiple post-disaster inspections and coordination meetings with relevant agencies, as well as local governments, to implement immediate aid to affected communities, as well as recovery programs.
All 2,062 affected tourism workers have also received food assistance, with additional emergency cash transfer and livelihood training programs now being processed in partnership with national agencies.
The DOT also assured the public that it continues its joint efforts with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Small Business Corporation in providing accessible loan facilities to tourism enterprises affected by the earthquake.