Even if it was once again hit by a major catastrophe, that is, massive flooding brought about by super typhoon “Tino” last week following a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake, the Department of Tourism conveyed assurances that the Cebuano spirit continues to be strong and ready to welcome foreign and local tourists.

On Tuesday, DoT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco assured international travel partners that Cebu, indeed, is open for tourism.

“Cebu’s spirit of hospitality remains steadfast. 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,” Frasco said.

Further, she encouraged the agency’s partners to proceed with planned visits and inaugural flights to Cebu.

‘Moving forward’

“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. Cebu is moving forward, our gateways and core tourism areas are open, and together we will turn recovery into renewed growth,” according to the DoT chief.

The DoT has also clarified that high-traffic areas such as Cebu City’s business districts and the primary resort corridors on Mactan Island remain open.

The deleterious impacts of the recent weather disturbances are concentrated in specific northern municipalities and low-lying barangays, as well as parts of Camotes.

Global connectivity strengthened

To reinforce Cebu’s position as a premier international gateway after the calamities, the DoT continues to strengthen the province’s global connectivity through sustained partnerships and market-development initiatives.

Joint promotional campaigns with leading carriers have widened Cebu’s reach in key foreign markets, while familiarization trips for international travel trade, roadshows in priority source countries, and active participation in major global tourism exhibitions have continued as planned.

Cebu’s international and domestic lift for the fourth quarter of the year is supported by new and returning routes, including: Firefly (KUL–CEB) 2 December, Jetstar (PER–MNL) 27 November, Jetstar (BNE–CEB) 3 December, Vietnam Airlines (HAN–CEB) 2 December, VietJet (SGN–MNL) 22 November, AirAsia (CEB-KUL) and (CEB-MFM) 15 November and PAL (CEB–GUM) 16 December.

DoT assistance in rebooking

While some partners have opted to defer activities in light of recent events, the DoT is assisting with rebooking and itinerary adjustments where needed.

The agency said temporary site closures and flight cancellations following the onslaught of typhoon “Tino” affected approximately 1,400 tourism workers.