DOT assures travelers: Cebu safe and open for tourism despite recent calamities

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has assured both local and international travelers that Cebu remains open for tourism, despite the recent series of natural calamities that affected parts of the province.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco urged tourists not to cancel their trips, emphasizing that core tourism zones and gateways are operational even as recovery efforts continue in localized areas.

“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.

The tourism chief made the assurance following Super Typhoon Uwan, widespread flooding from Typhoon Tino, and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake off the coast of Bogo City, which caused disruptions across some areas in the province.

Frasco clarified that Cebu City’s business districts and Mactan Island’s primary resort corridors remain open to visitors. She added that the impacts have been concentrated mainly in select northern municipalities, low-lying barangays, and parts of Camotes Island.

“We invite our partners to proceed with planned visits and inaugural flights to Cebu. 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,” Frasco added.

To reinforce Cebu’s position as a premier international gateway, the DOT continues to strengthen the province’s global connectivity through sustained partnerships with airlines and the travel trade sector. Joint promotional campaigns with leading carriers have expanded Cebu’s reach in key foreign markets, while familiarization trips, international roadshows, and participation in major tourism exhibitions have proceeded as planned.

Cebu’s international and domestic air traffic for the last quarter of the year remains robust, supported by new and returning routes such as Firefly’s Kuala Lumpur–Cebu, Jetstar’s Perth–Manila and Brisbane–Cebu, Vietnam Airlines’ Hanoi–Cebu, VietJet’s Ho Chi Minh–Manila, AirAsia’s Cebu–Kuala Lumpur and Cebu–Macau, and Philippine Airlines’ Cebu–Guam flights.

While some partners have temporarily deferred activities following recent calamities, the DOT said it continues to assist them in rebooking and adjusting itineraries where necessary.

According to the DOT, around 1,400 tourism workers were affected by temporary site closures and flight cancellations brought by Typhoon Tino, but recovery efforts are already underway to restore normal operations and support affected communities.

Frasco said the province remains on track to turn recovery into renewed growth, as Cebu’s major tourism circuits, air links, and visitor infrastructure remain fully functional—solidifying its status as one of the Philippines’ most resilient and welcoming destinations.