DAVAO City Tourism Officer Rizal Giovanni Aportadera said they remain vigilant against the influenza A (H1N1) virus scare.

Aportadera, during Thursday's I-Speak forum, said the Department of Tourism have been working in cooperation with the Department of Health to plan their A (H1N1) preventive measures. "It is something we face, but it will not stop us from moving forward," Aportadera said.

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"We don't issue advisories to the tourists. We want to prevent it by cooperating with private sectors," Aportadera added.

Aportadera said they remain vigilant on sanitation in the city's establishments.

"It is part of our concern. We always remind hotel operators, bar owners to keep their establishments clean and we always go out and inspect properly each establishment," Aportadera said.

"Establishments must have adequate supply of handwash soap. If we can practice this, we can lessen the possibility of spreading germs. Hindi nagkulang ang preparation," he said.

The city's tourism, he said, remain unaffected by HH1N1 reports.

"As of 2008-2009 of April, Davao City is the third tourist destination in the country following Cebu and Boracay," Aportadera said.

"Positive gihapon ang arrivals. As far as I'm concerned, wala nag-slow down ang establishments. Fully-booked ang hotels, restaurants monthly," he said.

"So far, wala kita directly affected sa virus," he added.

Aportadera said the reason for airline companies reducing their flights into the city is due to the off-peak season of tourists during June and July. "Nagbawas lang sila ng flights kasi hindi peak season ngayon but babalik yan by August," Aportadera said.

Aportadera said they would be more vigilant on sanitation in the coming Kadayawan Festival. (JCZ)