Manila: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday offered travel options amid the rising fuel price caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis, saying the country 'remains open' for tourism and business. 'The Philippines remains open for business and tourism. Amidst the rising fuel costs and broader economic uncertainties, tourism remains an important source of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, supporting local businesses, workers, and communities nationwide,' it said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOT is encouraging the public to consider other 'value-driven' travel options, such as walking or biking tours, farm visits, and community-based tourism activities, staycations, wellness and nature escapes within nearby areas, and sampling local cuisines. 'These alternatives provide flexible ways to rest and travel meaningfully, depending on individual priorities and resources,' it said.

The agency said it would continue promoting the Philippines as a destination while supporting travelers in making travel decisions that best suit their needs. Tehran's continuous blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints - has sent energy markets into shock, with rising oil and jet fuel prices disrupting flights and compelling governments to implement various austerity measures.

In the Middle East alone, which accounts for 5 percent of global international arrivals and 14 percent of global international transit traffic, the conflict in Iran is already impacting the travel and tourism sector by at least USD600 million daily, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTTC warned that any disruption to travel flows from the Middle East 'quickly translates into substantial economic impact across the tourism ecosystem.'

Before the conflict, the DOT had classified the Middle East as a promising growth market, targeting to invite more of the high-spending visitors from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, among others.