Daanbantayan Tourism Under Pressure from External Factors
Despite a steady influx of visitors, tourism stakeholders in Daanbantayan, Cebu, have expressed concerns that escalating fuel prices and ongoing global conflicts could severely impact the local tourism industry if these issues continue for more than two months. The warnings emerged during the opening of the "Our Cebu!" tourism exhibition on March 13, 2026, where SunStar Cebu interviewed key figures in the sector.
Immediate Concerns and Stakeholder Insights
Jameson Rey Acuna, owner of Divergems Diving Center on Malapascua Island, highlighted that while the full impact of global tensions has not yet been felt, some booking cancellations have occurred following the outbreak of conflict on February 28. He noted that most clients are foreign divers, including Israelis, Singaporeans, Chinese, and Europeans. Acuna emphasized that if the conflict persists beyond a month, it could have devastating effects on his business.
In a separate interview, Daanbantayan Tourism Officer Renlie Castillo reported that bookings remain robust, primarily from European tourists such as Germans, Spaniards, and French visitors. However, he cautioned that tourism could suffer if the tensions begin to affect these target markets. Castillo also pointed out that rising fuel prices are already being felt, with diesel costs in Daanbantayan reportedly jumping from around P60 to P90 per liter, complicating operations for businesses reliant on fuel for activities like diving excursions.
Economic and Operational Challenges
Acuna detailed the operational hurdles faced by tourism operators, explaining that the abrupt increase in fuel prices makes it difficult to sustain services without adjusting rates, which could deter customers. He stressed that while the government has limited control over global events and fuel costs, constant communication with stakeholders is crucial for mitigation. Despite these challenges, tourist arrivals in Malapascua have remained steady, with some visitors extending their stays due to travel disruptions.
On a broader scale, Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced that the Provincial Government is exploring ways to support affected sectors, including fisherfolk and the tourism industry. A meeting was scheduled with the Department of Energy and local officials, such as League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Cebu chapter president Cesar Suan, to discuss potential assistance plans.
Resilience and Recovery Efforts
Castillo shared positive trends in tourism data, noting that arrivals surged in November and December 2025 after a slight decline in October due to a 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30. During peak periods, the island welcomed up to 400 tourists daily, with about 90% being foreigners. Early in 2026, daily visitor counts have not dropped below 200. To bolster resilience, the local government has enhanced coordination with stakeholders through consultations and capacity-building initiatives, including training programs for tourism workers and boatmen.
Infrastructure Gaps and Future Outlook
Despite the encouraging numbers, infrastructure concerns persist. Acuna highlighted that Malapascua lacks a clinic, forcing both residents and tourists to travel to the mainland for medical services. He advocated for establishing a clinic to benefit the local community and support the tourism sector. As stakeholders navigate these challenges, the focus remains on preparedness and adaptive strategies to sustain Daanbantayan's tourism appeal amid uncertain global and economic conditions.
