TO ENSURE the safety of tourists this summer, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) has begun conducted an inventory of all the equipment in Cebu’s adventure sites.
In an interview on Wednesday, April 10, PTO officer-in-charge Floreza Alpuerto said they also checked water levels in falls and canyoneering destinations, as these are the most visited attractions during summer.
Among the tourist destinations covered by the inventory are Kawasan Falls in Badian, Kanlaob Falls in Alegria and the whale shark-watching activities in Oslob.
The PTO expects to finish the inventory this week.
“Aside from the whale watching in Oslob, most of the tourists visit our famed falls and beaches... Our inventory is focused on adventure sports and activities,” she said.
Alpuerto urged local government units and tour operators to put up health desks to assist visitors who may experience health problems during the mild El Niño.
“One thing we should look out for during the dry spell is visitors suffering from heat stroke. That’s what the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) wants us to prioritize, to make sure our guests are hydrated,” she told reporters.
The PDRRMO is also checking popular beach destinations in several towns for the presence of crown-of-thorns starfish, which spawn during hot weather and destroy the corals.
Despite the mild El Niño, Alpuerto said they still expect tourists to arrive in the coming weeks, especially during Holy Week.
“People would want to come to Cebu’s beach resorts during summer, more so in this heat. That is why we urge LGUs and tour operators to disseminate advisories on the health issues that may arise because of the El Niño,” she added.
The PTO is set to meet with stakeholders, representatives of the local government units (LGUs) and the police to discuss security and general preparations for summer on April 12 and 15.
The meetings were called by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to discuss security measures in time for the summer. (RTF, from SCG of SuperBalita Cebu, LRC)