Cebu Tourism Sector Maintains Strength Despite Calamity Challenges
Even if there have been earthquakes in Cebu and catastrophe risks are growing in northern towns, the tourism business is still doing well. Officials from the province stressed that readiness and coordination need to get better in order to make recovery activities speedier and more sustainable in the long run.
Rowena Montecillo, the Provincial Tourism Officer, noted that disasters happen more often now, which means that structures and response systems need to be more ready. She said that the industry is still solid, but it needs to keep changing to deal with unexpected occurrences that damage infrastructure and tourist trust.
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Local Government Prioritizes Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Planning
Montecillo said again that the new provincial government is focused on establishing tourist frameworks that are long-lasting and can handle disasters. This method makes sure that safety, environmental care, and protecting the local community are all balanced with economic progress.
She said that making sure everyone is ready means making sure that local governments, private businesses, and emergency services work together better. Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s support has made it possible to do preventative evaluations and collect data more quickly so that actions may happen more quickly after a tragedy.
Assessment Teams Evaluate Tourism Sites in Northern Cebu Province
The Provincial Tourism Office has started looking into how businesses that were harmed by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake are doing. The review, which is being done with the help of the Provincial Engineering Office, is meant to find out how bad the damage is and how to best use the money for repairs.
Montecillo said that the inspections that are still going on include northern areas like Bogo City, Tabuelan, and several adjacent islands. The crew keeps going back to places where there are structural problems and works with city authorities and business owners to make sure everyone is safe.
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Tourism Operations Remain Stable Across Southern Municipalities
Tourism in southern towns like Alegria and Badian is still going on as usual, even if there was some damage in certain places. Montecillo noted that these locations are still secure and open to guests looking for adventure and cultural attractions.
She also said that well-known places like Bantayan Island, Malapascua, and Camotes are available to tourists. But transportation problems continue since routes have been disrupted, so officials are helping with logistical and safety management at all ports and roadways.
Domestic Tourist Arrivals Show Promising Growth Trends
Tourist arrivals keep going up, and as of mid-October, domestic visits were up 10%. The number shows that passengers are confident and that the recovery is moving along steadily, even though natural disasters have caused some problems.
Montecillo said she was hopeful that Cebu’s strong tourism attraction will stay the same. The peak tourist season, which usually starts in October, is another reason why tourism-dependent towns can keep their businesses going and their income steady.
Officials Warn Public Against False Travel Information Online
The tourist authority warned those who live there and others who are visiting that false information about impacted places is spreading on social media. False rumors that businesses are closing or travel is restricted have caused some municipalities to lose money and cancel events they didn’t need to.
Montecillo encouraged people to get information from official sources before making travel plans. She stressed that false posts hurt people’s jobs and make recovery initiatives that are meant to help local businesses get back on their feet less effective.
Recovery Program Focuses on Assistance and Long-Term Development
The provincial recovery plan focuses on ongoing evaluation, budgeting, and marketing tactics that would bring back people’s faith in Cebu tourism. Even while the government can’t give money directly to private businesses, it may nonetheless help them through national initiatives.
Montecillo added that working with the Department of Trade and Industry makes sure that firms that are harmed may get help. She went on to say that the objective is to make sure that tourism thrives while also making Cebu Province more ready for disasters, more inclusive, and more economically resilient.
