SCUTTLEBUTT

Loose lips sink ships

Amid the difficult geopolitical situation that has affected global travel, tourism industry stakeholders appealed to Cabinet officials to speak in one voice and refrain from making statements that may sow confusion over the security situation.

Industry leaders have deplored remarks that were not only ill-advised but also damaging to the country’s reputation as a travel destination.

Remarks about recent travel advisories and an international online survey that named the Philippines the “least safe” country for tourists should be well considered.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and various industry groups have roundly criticized a recent survey on the sentiments of travelers to the country as misleading and unfair.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the pushback, denouncing the HelloSafe Safety Index 2025 as “built on questionable data, lacking in transparency, and entirely disconnected from the realities on the ground.”

She emphasized that the Philippines remains committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both domestic and international travelers.

Arthur Lopez, president of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, warned that such rankings, and worse, official admissions that appear to support them, could undo years of hard work in rebuilding Philippine tourism post-pandemic.

Maria Paz Alberto, president of the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association and Philippine chapter chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, said misleading narratives such as the HelloSafe index “deter prospective visitors and cause lasting repercussions to businesses reliant on inbound tourism.”

Philippine Tour Operators Association president Arjun Shroff stressed that responsible messaging is critical. False narratives must be corrected swiftly, and it is vital that the government projects confidence in local tourism.

Tourism is a perception-driven industry where the public confidence can be easily shaken.