Cebu Tourism Stays Resilient Amid Natural Challenges
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has provided firm reassurance that Cebu continues to welcome visitors despite facing multiple natural disasters in recent times. The popular island destination experienced typhoon Tino and a significant magnitude 6.9 earthquake near Bogo City, yet maintains operational status for travelers.
Tourism Infrastructure Remains Functional
In an official advisory released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the DOT confirmed that core tourism zones and gateways continue operating normally with appropriate safety protocols implemented. The department emphasized that visitor movements proceed without major disruptions across most of the province.
Key tourism areas including Cebu City's business districts and Mactan Island's primary resort corridors remain fully accessible to tourists. Damage from the recent calamities has been largely contained to specific northern municipalities, some low-lying barangays, and portions of the Camotes Group of Islands.
Government Calls for Continued Tourism Support
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco made a direct appeal to travelers, urging them not to cancel planned visits to Cebu. She highlighted that continued tourism activity plays a crucial role in sustaining local jobs and supporting community recovery efforts throughout the affected regions.
"We extend our invitation to tourism partners to proceed with scheduled visits and inaugural flights to Cebu," Secretary Frasco stated. "While we understand some groups have chosen to postpone their travel plans, we stand ready to assist with rebooking and itinerary adjustments. Our primary commitment remains safety, while our core message is confidence. Cebu moves forward with open gateways and tourism centers, and together we will transform recovery into renewed growth."
Transportation and Recovery Initiatives
Connectivity throughout the region remains strong, with Mactan-Cebu International Airport operating at normal capacity and major sea routes having resumed regular service. The DOT outlined several upcoming international flights scheduled for the fourth quarter, demonstrating the continued international interest in Cebu as a destination.
The upcoming international flight schedule includes:
- Firefly from Kuala Lumpur to Cebu on December 2
- Jetstar from Perth to Manila on November 27
- Jetstar from Brisbane to Cebu on December 3
- Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi to Cebu on December 2
- VietJet from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila on November 22
- AirAsia from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur and Macau routes beginning November 15
- Philippine Airlines from Cebu to Guam starting December 16
The department continues to implement promotional campaigns with airline partners, organize familiarization trips for international travel trade representatives, conduct roadshows in priority markets, and participate in major global tourism exhibitions to reinforce visitor confidence.
The agency acknowledged that temporary site closures and flight cancellations resulting from typhoon Tino affected approximately 1,400 tourism workers across the region, underscoring the importance of resumed tourism activities for local economic recovery.
