DOT calls for fair pricing, compassionate policies during #UwanPH

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has asked tourism stakeholders, especially those who own hotels, inns, and other tourism business establishments, not to take advantage of the current situation to unreasonably increase rates.

According to Frasco, her department reminds all tourism enterprises, particularly DOT-accredited establishments, to uphold responsible, considerate, and transparent business practices during times of calamity or emergency.

“Accredited establishments are strongly advised not to take advantage of the situation by unreasonably increasing rates for accommodation, restaurant services, or other tourism-related offerings. The Department likewise encourages all tourism enterprises to adopt fair, compassionate, and ethical policies for booking cancellations and rebookings, especially for guests affected by disrupted travel plans due to the calamity,” the tourism chief added.

The DOT emphasized that tourism is, above all, “a platform for service and compassion. It is our shared duty to ensure that travelers, evacuees, and responders find safety, comfort, and dignity in our establishments during times of crisis. Overpricing or denial of service in these circumstances goes against the spirit of hospitality and the principles that define the Filipino brand of service that we take pride in.”

The agency also called on establishments to proactively inform arriving guests of the current status of their facilities and operations, including any damages or limitations that may affect their stay or planned activities.

Frasco said the department continues to coordinate with local government units and concerned agencies to monitor compliance and ensure that accommodation facilities adhere to fair pricing and ethical business standards.

“The Department is in close coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) in Cebu to monitor compliance with fair pricing regulations and to ensure that affected tourists and residents receive proper assistance," said Secretary Frasco.

Closely monitoring the situation

On Sunday, the DOT said through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (DRRMCom) that it continues to closely monitor the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan across the country.

As PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 and issued storm surge warnings for several coastal provinces, the DOT remains in constant coordination with local government units, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and partner agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of travelers and tourism workers.

The typhoon brought heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas, particularly in Luzon and Visayas, leading to precautionary suspension of sea travel and flight cancellations.

“Thus far, the DOT has not yet received reports of significant damage to tourism facilities. Our regional offices continue onsite assessments to ensure that destinations, accommodations, and related facilities remain safe and secure,” the DOT advisory said.

As of the advisory, no casualties or stranded tourists have been reported in CAR, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. In Cagayan Valley, 35 stranded tourists in Batanes remain in their accommodations. In CARAGA, 50 tourists were temporarily stranded.

In MIMAROPA, 76 tourists, including 71 passengers of an Airswift flight, were stranded and are now safe, assisted by authorities and tourism offices with transport and lodging arrangements.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte announced the temporary closure of PGIN-owned tourism sites, while several LGUs in CALABARZON, Quezon, Laguna, MIMAROPA, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur also suspended tourism and water activities as a precaution.