GOVERNOR Alfredo Marañon Jr. said that some tourists have canceled their reservations in the resorts of Sipalay, known for its beaches and dive sites, following the crisis in Marawi City in Mindanao, which was placed under martial law for 60 days.
However, Marañon remained upbeat as tourists are still coming despite the ongoing clash in Marawi City.
“Compared to last year, our tourist arrivals still increased, but not much as expected,” he said.
The governor said that tourists are afraid to come due to the ongoing war between government troopers and Maute terror group in Mindanao which they have seen in the news.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cristine Mansinares said that most of the guests who cancelled their reservations in Sipalay resorts are foreign nationals.
The potential revenue losses were compensated by local tourists who booked at these resorts for team-buildings, gatherings and meetings, she said.
Mansinares added that there are instances when foreign nationals, who have cancelled their bookings in Davao City or in Bohol due to security issues, came to the province instead.
She said it is only public perception that Visayas is not safe because it is near Mindanao, but she assured tourists and residents that Negros Occidental is a “safe destination.”
Authorities said Negros Island Region remains terror-free, but urged Negrenses to stay vigilant.
The Provincial Government also recently established an anti-terrorism task force called Task Force Buglas to protect Negros Occidental from the threat of terrorism, crime and other lawless elements.