TPB COO says measures in place to ensure safety of foreign, local travelers

THE Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) has assured that “the Mindanao region is a safe tourism destination with peace talks continually being done in the region; military, national and local law enforcement doing their best to keep its destinations safe, and local government units working with NGOs and international organizations to make their destinations more sustainable and inclusive.”

In a statement, TPB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones said “it is unfortunate that a fellow Filipino would generalize an entire region in a way that also contributes to the prejudice suffered by our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” as it stressed that measures are in place to ensure the safety of foreign and local travelers.

The TPB reacted to journalist Raissa Robles’ claims of allegedly “generalizing” the security situation in the entire Mindanao region by supposedly insinuating that the plan to develop Mindanao into a tourism destination might result in more kidnapping incidents amid the government’s ongoing programs to boost safe tourism in the southern Philippines.

Allones said the military, national and local law enforcements are continually making sure that destinations are safe.

The TPB COO added it is mandated to promote the Philippines, which includes the beautiful destinations in Mindanao.

Part of our thrust to foster sustainable tourism is helping create safe and inclusive spaces for our people and tourists alike in our 7,641 islands, she explained.

The TPB said it is now promoting many provinces in Mindanao such as the beautiful shores of Davao, the majestic sand bars and waterfalls of Camiguin, and the adventure travel opportunities in Cagayan De Oro, to name a few.

“We have other amazing destinations in Mindanao, in fact, we are supporting Philippine Airlines’ inaugural flight from Cotabato to Tawi Tawi on June 9,” Allones noted.

Other destinations are still being vetted for compliance with health and safety protocols as we grow towards a safer, more sustainable and more inclusive tourism destination, she added.

Having joined the TPB as the global pandemic hit, the highlights of this administration include infrastructure development and environmental restoration in several destinations.

The aim is to be a regional benchmark for sustainable tourism and highlight all the amazing destinations of the country and not just a select few, Allones stressed.

Mindanao local governments, their respective tourism officers, and our DOT regional directors are doing their best to make sure tourists are given the logistical support necessary for a memorable tourism experience in the Philippines, she added.