THE Hotels, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) downplayed the impact of the medical wastes found at Mactan sea to Cebu’s tourism industry.

“This is an isolated case to which the local government and concerned hospitals are already addressing,” said HRRAC president Carlo Suarez.

“Our tourism is safe. In fact, our marketing for Mactan remains on high note. All hotels and resorts are enjoying a high occupancy this month,” said Suarez.

Mactan Island is one of the province’s tourism drawer known for its resorts and beaches. It is a home to big and international resort brands.

In past interviews, Hembler Mendoza, head of Lapu-Lapu City’s Tourism Office said they are expecting at least 7,000 rooms by 2020 to 2021.

Health officials in Lapu-Lapu City have advised the public to avoid swimming in the Mactan Channel and foraging for shellfish, as the water may have been contaminated from the infectious medical wastes.

However, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said it is still safe to swim in the Hilutungan Channel, located on the opposite side of the island.