DOT: Cebu Province remains open to tourists after earthquake, strong typhoon

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday assured tourists that Cebu remains “open and ready” to welcome visitors despite recent disasters including Super Typhoon Uwan, widespread flooding from Typhoon Tino, and the magnitude 6.9 earthquake off the coast of Bogo City that affected some areas in the province.

“While recent events— including the recent typhoons, and localized earthquakes—have affected select areas, core tourism zones and gateways are operational, and visitor movements continue under appropriate safety measures,” DOT said Tuesday in an advisory.

The agency also clarified that business districts and the primary resort corridors on Mactan Island remain open.

“Impacts have been largely localized in certain northern municipalities, low-lying barangays, and parts of the Camotes Group of Islands,” DOT said.

The DOT added that the Mactan–Cebu International Airport maintains normal operations while major sea routes have resumed.

DOT also said additional air services in the fourth quarter of the year will further strengthen access to the following routes:

• Firefly (KUL–CEB) – 02 December
• Jetstar (PER–MNL) – 27 November
• Jetstar (BNE–CEB) – 03 December
• Vietnam Airlines (HAN–CEB) – 02 December
• VietJet (SGN–MNL) – 22 November
• Philippine Airlines (CEB–GUM) – 16 December
• AirAsia (CEB-KUL) and (CEB-MFM) — 15 November

In a separate statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledged that some tourists deferred their travel to Cebu following the recent disasters.

“We acknowledge that a few groups have chosen to defer travel, and we stand ready to help them rebook and adjust itineraries. Our foremost commitment is safety; our message is confidence,” Frasco said.

“Cebu is moving forward, our gateways and core tourism areas are open, and together we will turn recovery into renewed growth,” she added.

Frasco also said that the continued arrival of tourists in Cebu will help locals sustain their livelihoods.

“We welcome our guests as we continue coordinated recovery in localized areas—your continued visits sustain jobs, restore livelihoods, and help communities get back on their feet. Together with our partners, we will keep Cebu ready, and open for the world,” she said.

DOT reported that about 1,400 tourism workers were affected by the temporary closure of establishments and flight cancellations caused by Typhoon Tino.

According to the Office of Civil Defense, Tino left at least 224 fatalities, with 158 dead in Cebu, after several areas in the Visayas were affected. 

Meanwhile, at least 76 fatalities were reported from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu on September 30. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News