The Philippines remains safe for tourists despite martial law and hotel attack — DOT

Summary

Despite recent security concerns, including martial law in Mindanao and the attack at Resorts World Manila, the Department of Tourism assures that the Philippines remains safe for tourists. They emphasize that while some tourists have canceled flights, the overall impact on the tourism industry will be minimal. The country is moving forward with hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organization event in June, with 300 delegates confirmed. Security measures are being heightened, and the Philippines' tourism industry is seeing growth, with a new campaign aiming to boost future tourism.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippines remains safe for tourism despite ongoing martial law in Mindanao and the recent attack at a hotel casino in Pasay City.
• 😀 The Department of Tourism (DOT) assures tourists that the country is still safe and encourages tourism despite recent challenges.
• 😀 Several tourists canceled their flights to the Philippines after travel advisories were issued by various countries due to the security situation in Mindanao and the casino attack.
• 😀 The DOT is confident that the flight cancellations will have minimal impact on the country's tourism industry, as many tourists still proceed with their plans.
• 😀 The Philippines is hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) event from June 21-23, with 300 delegates from different countries attending.
• 😀 Despite the crisis, the UNWTO event will continue as planned, as most delegates have already booked their tickets and accommodations.
• 😀 The Department of Tourism, together with the Philippine National Police, has ordered increased vigilance and security in tourist areas to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors.
• 😀 The DOT is closely monitoring the security protocols of tourism establishments, including hotels and restaurants, to ensure they comply with safety standards.
• 😀 The DOT reports an 11.4% growth rate in the country's tourism industry from January to March, with over 1.8 million tourist arrivals.
• 😀 Tourism officials are optimistic about further growth in the industry, boosted by the government's new campaign ads, 'When with Filipinos, Experience the Philippines,' which will be promoted on social media.
• 😀 The Philippine government is committed to strengthening tourism safety and promoting the country as a top tourist destination despite security concerns.

Q & A

What is the Department of Tourism's stance on the safety of the Philippines for tourists despite recent events?

The Department of Tourism emphasizes that the Philippines remains safe for tourism, despite the ongoing martial law in Mindanao and the recent attack at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

How have recent events affected tourism in the Philippines?

Several tourists canceled their flights to the Philippines following travel advisories issued by various countries due to the ongoing crisis in Marawi and the attack at Resorts World Manila. However, the Department of Tourism is confident this will have minimal impact on the country's tourism industry.

What is the Department of Tourism's perspective on flight cancellations?

Although there are reported cancellations, the Department of Tourism believes that many of those bookings will eventually be rescheduled. They point out that cancellations happen frequently due to travel advisories but do not have a lasting negative effect on the tourism sector.

What event is the Philippines hosting despite the recent security concerns?

The Philippines will host the United Nations World Tourism Organization event from June 21 to June 23, which will be attended by 300 delegates from various countries. The event will proceed as planned, despite the security issues.

How is the Philippine government ensuring safety for tourists during this period?

The Department of Tourism and the Philippine National Police have ordered the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) to remain vigilant and enhance security measures to ensure the safety of the public.

What steps are being taken to monitor security protocols in tourism establishments?

The Department of Tourism will scrutinize the security protocols being enforced by tourism establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, to ensure that they meet safety standards.

What recent growth has the Philippines experienced in tourism?

From January to March of this year, the Philippines saw an 11.4% growth in its tourism industry, with 1.8 million tourist arrivals.

What new initiative is the government using to promote tourism in the Philippines?

The government has launched a new advertising campaign called 'When with Filipinos, experience the Philippines,' which will be featured on social media, especially around Independence Day.

How is the United Nations World Tourism Organization event significant to the Philippines' tourism industry?

The event is significant as it not only brings international attention to the Philippines but also signals the country’s continued commitment to tourism, even amidst the challenges faced by recent security concerns.

What kind of impact is expected on the Philippines' tourism industry despite the travel cancellations?

While there have been reported cancellations, the Department of Tourism is confident that the impact will be minimal. They anticipate that the cancellations will not significantly affect the growth trajectory of the tourism industry.