4-M tourists seen despite advisories

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) remains optimistic that over four million foreign tourists will visit the country this year despite the warning against travel to Mindanao.

“The Philippines remains as an ideal destination with foreign travelers and groups continuing to arrive,” the DOT said in a statement yesterday.

The DOT further noted that there had been no travel cancellations made by tourists from various countries, including the United Kingdom.

“Travel advisories to some areas in the country have been constant and common, but this did not deter tourists from visiting the country,” the DOT said.

Last year, the DOT said, visitor arrivals reached a record high of 3.9 million or 4.6 percent higher than the target of 3.7 million even with the travel advisories.

The United Kingdom earlier warned its citizens against traveling to the Philippines, particularly in the South following the kidnapping of two European wildlife photographers in Tawi-Tawi.

The DOT said the issuance of travel advisories is part of the regular functions of embassies in line with ensuring the safety and security of their citizens in a foreign country.

“The Tawi-Tawi incident is considered unfortunate and could have been avoided had the visitors taken necessary precautions,” DOT said.

Based on DOT data, bulk of foreign tourists visit the Nation Capital Region, the Bicol region, Western Visayas and Central Visayas as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region.

In 2010 more than 52,000 travelers from UK toured Luzon, while 27,480 visited the Visayas and 3,835 went to Mindanao. 

The DOT said the tourism industry and the government are closely working to ensure safe and pleasant travel of foreign tourists.