Tourism still unaffected by Mindanao conflict - DOT

MANILA, Philippines - Tourism in the country has not been affected by the simmering conflict in central Mindanao, so far, the head of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said in a press release Wednesday. "North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte are approximately 965 kilometers and 350 kilometers from the country’s gateways, Manila and Cebu, respectively," the statement quoted Tourism Secretary Jose H. Durano as saying. "The private sector has informed us that there are no cancellations on their package tours," he recounted. "Our regional offices are in close coordination with establishments while monitoring the status of foreign tourists in their areas." Commercial activities in the provinces surrounding areas hit by rebel attacks last weekend are reportedly continuing with regular operations, Mr. Durano added. The department further assured that Boracay, Palawan and the country’s other top destinations are safe for both local and foreign tourists. Tourism department data showed that tourist arrivals in the first half hit 1.6 million, or 6.9% more than arrivals recorded in the same period last year, and almost 48% of the target set for the year. But projected inadequate tourism facilities — despite ongoing projects — had forced the department to temper its tourist arrivals expectation to 4.2 million from an original 5 million by 2010. Still, fighting between government and rebel forces, as well as bombings in a few parts of Mindanao, have been a factor for foreign governments — Canberra being the latest in the immediate wake of the recent bloody rebel attacks in central Mindanao — to issue travel advisories to their citizens. — BusinessWorld