Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco is asking tourism stakeholders, especially owners of hotels, inns, and other hotel establishments, not to take advantage of the current situation to unreasonably increase rates.

Frasco said the DoT is reminding all tourism enterprises, particularly those accredited by the DoT, to uphold responsible, considerate, and transparent business practices during times of calamity.

“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 tourism chief said,

“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,” she added.

‘A platform for service and compassion’

Frasco also underscored 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 DoT secretary 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 maintained that the Department continues to coordinate with local government units and other concerned agencies to monitor compliance and to 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,” she said.

Closely monitoring the situation

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

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

Typhoon “Uwan” has brought heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas, particularly in Luzon and the 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 said.

No casualties

No casualties or stranded tourists have as yet been reported in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and CALABARZON.

Some 35 tourists were reported stranded in Batanes and are still in their respective accommodations.

In CARAGA, 50 tourists were temporarily stranded; meanwhile, a total of 76 tourists, including 71 passengers of Airswift flight USU-ENI were stranded in MIMAROPA, but are now reported safe, assisted by authorities and tourism offices with transport and accommodation arrangements.

In Ilocos Region, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has announced that PGIN-owned and managed tourism properties, including Kapurpurawan, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, and Malacañang of the North, will be temporarily closed until further notice.

The suspension of tourism activities across all provinces in CAR and Central Luzon took effect yesterday.