The Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued a firm assurance to its international partners: Cebu remains fully open and ready to welcome tourists. This declaration comes despite a challenging series of natural disasters that have recently impacted the province, demonstrating a strong commitment to both recovery and the local tourism industry.
A Series of Calamities and the Path to Recovery
The island of Cebu has faced significant adversity, beginning with a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in September. This seismic event was followed in quick succession by Typhoon Tino and Typhoon Uwan. The cumulative effect of these disasters triggered landslides in several areas of Cebu, primarily due to the softening of the soil. According to the latest DOT records, these back-to-back calamities have affected approximately 1,400 tourism workers across the region.
Despite these challenges, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized that the province is open for business. She stated that coordinated recovery efforts are actively underway in localized areas, and the continued arrival of visitors is a crucial part of the healing process.
DOT's Call to Action and Visitor Assurance
In a direct appeal, Secretary Frasco urged travel partners not to cancel planned visits to Cebu. She specifically encouraged tourists to take advantage of and enjoy the inaugural flights to the destination. While confirming that some groups have chosen to postpone their trips, the DOT is prepared to provide full support for rebooking and adjusting itineraries to ensure visitor safety and satisfaction.
"We welcome our guests as we continue coordinated recovery in localized areas—your continued visits sustain jobs, restore livelihoods, and help communities get back on their feet," Frasco said. "Together with our partners, we will keep Cebu ready, and open for the world."
Which Tourist Spots Are Currently Accessible?
The DOT proudly confirms that many of Cebu's prime tourism sites continue to operate normally. Key destinations, including the primary resort corridors on Mactan Island, are open and fully functional. Furthermore, several parts of Northern Cebu that were largely unaffected by the recent disasters are also receiving visitors, offering a wide range of experiences for tourists. The message from the DOT is clear: while recovery continues in specific areas, the heart of Cebu's tourism remains vibrant and accessible.
