DOT assures Cebu’s top destinations remain open

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday assured that prominent tourist destinations in Cebu remain open to serve foreign and local visitors, weeks after the deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in a show of support for local workers and enterprises, emphasized that tourism operations across Cebu and the Central Visayas region remain business as usual, with most public areas, heritage sites, and accommodation facilities already inspected and declared structurally sound by authorities.

“We, at the DOT, encourage tourism operations in Cebu not only to attract visitors to explore the island’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, but most importantly to sustain the livelihood of our tourism stakeholders who depend on the continued vibrancy of tourism activities,” Frasco said.

Since the earthquake that hit Bogo City, Cebu on 30 September, the DOT—through its Regional Office VII—has conducted multiple post-disaster inspections and coordination meetings with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and local governments to implement immediate aid and recovery programs.

The DOT reported that all 2,062 affected tourism workers have received food assistance, with additional emergency cash transfer and livelihood training programs now being processed in partnership with national agencies.

In partnership with DTI and SB Corp., the DOT continues its MSME Financing Caravan, providing accessible loan facilities to tourism enterprises affected by the earthquake. Coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also ensures ongoing inspections and repairs of affected establishments and access roads.

Meanwhile, collaboration with TESDA is underway to offer alternative livelihood and skills training programs for displaced tourism workers.

Cebu’s tourism infrastructure remains stable

According to DOT-7’s latest situation report, major hotels, ports, and airports in Metro Cebu—including Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu Baseport, and seaports in Santa Fe, Maya, and Kawit—are fully operational, ensuring continued access for travelers.

Premier hotels such as Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu; Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan; Radisson Blu Cebu; Seda Ayala Center Cebu; Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino; Quest Hotel & Conference Center – Cebu; and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu reported no structural damage and remain open. Other hotels that initially reported minor damage have resumed normal operations after inspections confirmed they are safe for accommodation, with no guest injuries reported.

Dive and island destinations like Malapascua and Gato Island remain safe for diving and island tours, as confirmed by the Cebu provincial government and accredited dive operators following marine ecosystem assessments.

The DOT said it will proceed with its upcoming tourism events in Cebu, including regional promotions and diving-related activities, underscoring the province’s resilience and readiness to welcome visitors.

Frasco noted that the department, through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is coordinating with heritage and cultural agencies as well as the Archdiocese of Cebu for the restoration of churches and historical structures damaged in San Remigio, Bantayan, and Tabogon.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our tourism frontliners and communities who have shown strength and hospitality amid challenges. The spirit of Cebuano resilience continues to shine through, and Cebu remains a destination to love, explore, and support,” Frasco said.

She also noted that the DOT continues to extend support to other destinations in Central Visayas, such as Bohol, which experienced temporary tour cancellations following the earthquake but now remains open and ready to receive visitors.