Travellers cancel holidays to visayas

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the numerous travel advisories, tourists have started canceling trips to the Philippines particularly in Central Visayas.
Among those who canceled were 500 travelers from Japan, who made reservations at a five-star hotel in Cebu and would have spent about P30 million in the country during their visit, according to Alejandra Clemente, chair of Rajah Tours Philippines.
Clemente wrote to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo last Monday, saying the advisories “are starting to take their toll” on the Philippine travel industry.

There has been no response so far from Teo.

Clemente said the recent clashes between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf in Bohol have led to the cancellation of bookings from major markets in Japan, the United States and Europe.

“If this deteriorating situation is not addressed immediately, it may adversely affect the flow of tourism arrivals into the country,” Clemente told Teo in a letter last Monday.
Clemente expressed her apprehension on behalf of the private sector concerning the tourism industry.

She said the Philippines appears to be a dangerous place for tourists because of the recent situation in Central Visayas and has put the country in a negative light as a tourism destination.

Clemente suggested to Teo that she invite stakeholders for a dialogue to determine the actual situation in Central Visayas and how to counteract the adverse effect of the travel advisories.

“(The) government and private sector need to act fast to arrest this very alarming situation. I will be more than happy to help organize the private sector to meet with you,” Clemente said.

Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is taking the letter from Clemente seriously.

He said they are now closely coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to address the issue. Travelers cancel Philippine bookings

 

Maybe the government should focus more of their resources on the Muslim problem and less on this perceived drug problem. Mindanao has been ignored for a very long time by Manila....and it doesn't look like this new president has done much for the island or the people there either.

 

Its been here for months pat,they patrol the water here and siquijor and apo,there is another boat in tambobo bay.