DOT: Philippines 'safe and fun' for tourists despite 'Yolanda'

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday encouraged travelers to still visit the Philippines despite the catastrophe caused by supertyphoon "Yolanda."

"The Philippines remains a safe and fun destination for all tourists, notwithstanding this unfortunate incident," Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said in a statement.

Top destinations in the Visayas, where most of the devastated towns are located, such as Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa, Palawan are still accessible to tourists and port of entries.

"The great majority of touristic products are available, whether one is looking for a beach vacation, historical trip, gastronomic tour, or one of the many other possible travel opportunities," Jimenez said.

The department said its priority in recovery efforts is to restore tourism income at the soonest possible time. Jimenez is also pushing to coordinate with private and public sectors to sustain economic growth even in the affected destinations.

"Tourism continues to be one of the major contributors to the economy, playing a significant role in rebuilding lives and businesses in communities," he said.