No cancellations as of yet: Impact of travel warnings to be felt week after Lent

CEBU, Philippines - The Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) reported high bookings for the Lenten week and the week thereafter, despite the recent travel warnings.

In an interview yesterday, HRRAC president Carlo Suarez said, so far bookings in hotels and resorts have remained intact for the next two weeks. He however said that if there might be a downward movement it would be determined week after next.

While the United States government has released security warnings specifically against traveling to Bohol and Cebu provinces, some stakeholders believed this issuance will not largely influence other nationalities, including domestic tourists.

According to Suarez, the domestic market still dominates the bookings mostly in resorts, and cancellation of bookings is unlikely to happen as this vacation had been planned and prepared for long before.

While there is apparent tension on the decision of travelers amid the outstanding travel advisory, Suarez expressed confidence that threats to peace and order will be managed properly by authorities.

"We will see the movement a week after next, if the advisory will have a drastic impact. But, as of now, business as usual for hotels and resorts," Suarez added.

The US Embassy in Manila has issued a travel advisory for its citizens to be extra vigilant when travelling to Cebu and Bohol citing "unsubstantiated yet credible" information of possible kidnappings.

In a security message on its website, the US Embassy said it has received information that "terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces."

It said that US citizens should consider this when making travel plans "and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times."

Despite the sustained business, Suarez said hotels and resorts are closely monitoring the movement of guests' bookings, especially from international markets. (FREEMAN)