‘DOT must implement measures to counter travel advisories’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) should immediately implement measures that will counter the possible negative effects of the advisories issued by the United Kingdom and Australia warning their nationals against traveling to Mindanao, Sen. Nancy Binay said yesterday.

Binay, who chairs the Senate committee on tourism, said the DOT should update Philippine travel guides to correct the negative impression of local destinations in Mindanao.

A New Year’s Eve bombing in Cotabato City that killed two persons and wounded 34 others prompted the travel warning.

“DOT must work double time to counter the negative publicity as a result of the travel advisories,” Binay said in Filipino.

She also urged the police and military to help ensure that accurate reports on the security situation in localities are provided to the embassies of other countries.

“Of course, we have to respect these countries’ prerogatives in issuing advisories out of concern for their citizens. There are times, though, that these advisories are unnecessary and sometimes exaggerated,” the senator said.

She said the burden of convincing tourists that the country has a safe environment and that their welfare is a top priority lies with the Philippine government.  

Close coordination with embassies, particularly in rectifying inaccurate reports and updating peace and order measures, among others, should be undertaken, Binay said.

“We must have constant dialogue with different countries. If we can, maybe let’s use mediators, their own nationals who are happy and satisfied tourists in our country to help dispel their misconceptions,” she added.

These mediators could also be tapped for social media, where issues could easily snowball and become unmanageable, Binay said.  – With Sheila Crisostomo