DOT 7 to work with Brit government re tourism security

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) will be working with the British government in improving the region’s safety and security programs, especially in Cebu and Bohol.

DOT-7 regional director Shalimar Tamano said his office and the British Embassy in the Philippines led by ambassador British Ambassador Daniel Pruce had an initial meeting to draw up a program in tourism security and safety in the region with special focus on Cebu and Bohol.

The British government is issued at least two travel advisories against Cebu this year, one was a warning over Badian and Dalaguete.

In a separate interview, Pruce said that Cebu (including region of Central Visayas) and United Kingdom have common interest to tackle, and this is in the safety and security issues.

According to Pruce, Cebu hosted about 45 thousand British nationals as tourists in 2018, and this is expected to rise, thus issues in security should br given utmost attention.

Initially, Tamano said the UK Ambassador solicited some information on how the British government can effectively help the region in securing safety, especially in protecting the foreign tourists.

The two travel advisories were issued by the British government on the threat of terrorism risk in towns “up to and including” on the island of Cebu. (FREEMAN)