Cebu: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday reassured travelers that gateways and destinations in Cebu are fully operational and open to tourists, despite recent natural calamities. The department is encouraging tourists to maintain their travel plans to the island.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco explained that while Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong), and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake off the coast of Bogo City have caused localized impacts, the main tourism zones and gateways in Cebu remain functional. Frasco emphasized the importance of continued visitation for sustaining jobs, restoring livelihoods, and aiding community recovery.

The agency reported that the effects of the natural disasters were primarily focused on certain northern municipalities, low-lying barangays, and parts of Camotes. However, high-traffic areas, including Cebu City’s business districts and the primary resort corridors on Mactan Island, are still accessible to tourists.

The DOT highlighted the importance of guided visitation, supported by official advisories and local coordination, in maintaining jobs, reviving livelihoods, and accelerating community recovery. The agency also called on government and private sector partners, as well as the international community, to continue supporting and visiting Cebu as it recovers from this challenging period.

The clarification from the DOT follows reports of some groups postponing their travel to Cebu. Meanwhile, the agency acknowledged that temporary site closures and flight cancellations due to Typhoon Tino on November 4 affected around 1,400 tourism workers.