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12k tourists cancel trips due to martial law in Mindanao, tourism exec says


More than 12,000 South Korean tourists have cancelled their trips to the Philippines because of the Marawi crisis and the resulting declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao, a tourism official said on Wednesday.

In a text exchange with GMA News Online, Tourism Undersecretary Ricky Alegre said the cancellations were happening "only in parts of Mindanao."

He said the effect of the Mindanao situation on tourist arrivals in Luzon and the Visayas was "minimal."

"We noted initial cancellations for the 3rd quarter from some countries, but more bookings are coming in from other countries," Alegre said.

"An initial 12,000 cancellations were reported from [South] Korea and yet new bookings to other destinations were also made. Data shows that over 3,000 South Koreans arrive daily. In fact, the PAL Incheon-Bohol direct flight commenced as scheduled on June 22," he added.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo in a previous interview with Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux "Mocha" Uson shared that, "Kung siguro walang martial law, baka walang cancellations."

Alegre echoed Teo's statement that the tourists have rebooked for a later date and added that the decline of booking is expected around this time of the year.

He listed air connections, facilities, and security and safety as factors that usually affect the number of tourist arrivals.

"The Department of Tourism maintains that although some provinces are affected, destination Philippines is still growing," Alegre told GMA News Online.

"We are confident that the 7 million target for 2017 will still be reached," he added. —NB/KVD, GMA News

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