DOT chief to tour Bohol on May 3

CEBU, Philippines - Tourism chief Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo is set for a whole-day tour of Bohol’s sites and attractions.

The visit, which is scheduled on Wednesday, May 3, is DOT's move to prove to the world that despite the recent unfortunate events in Bohol, it is still safe for tourists.

The series of travel warnings from different countries against traveling to Bohol, somehow affected the flow of tourists visiting the island province, which is also known as the twin destination of Cebu.

Despite the active travel advisories, DOT maintains that Bohol is still a safe place to visit and never fails to charm its guests and visitors.

Teo is also scheduled to have a dialogue with the different tourism stakeholders of Bohol to assure the stakeholders of the Department’s support despite the trying times.

She will also discuss DOT’s plans and programs especially on strengthening the tourism sector.

At least six countries have already warned citizens not to travel to Bohol, including Cebu, as the terrorism extremists are still threatening the peace and order situation in the province.

These travel advisories from Korea, Canada, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, followed immediately after the United States government issued travel warning to its citizens against traveling to Bohol and Cebu.

In fact, Consul General Russel Brown of the U.S. Embassy Manila stressed that "U.S. travel advisories should be taken seriously."

While these warnings may pose negative impact on trade and tourism, Brown explained that their decision was based on credible information and that it was meant to protect and ensure security of the American citizens residing and traveling in the Philippines.

Last week, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and Provincial Tourism Council chairman Lawyer Lucas Nuñag released an advisory declaring Bohol as “totally safe to visit.”

The advisory wrote, “This is to inform the General Public that the province of Bohol especially the tourism zones remains to be very peaceful and free from threats coming from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) whose attempt to mount terroristic activities were all aborted by the military and the police with the full cooperation of the various LGU’s.”

The officials assured the visiting public that the area, where the recent encounters between government troops and members of ASG, are far from Bohol’s “tourism zone.” (FREEMAN)