Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
Japan’s decision to lower travel advisory levels for some parts of Mindanao was a welcome affirmation that the southern region continue to be a “safe destination for tourists,” according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The Japanese Foreign Ministry last month downgraded its travel warning for Japanese nationals traveling to certain parts of Mindanao. In its revised advisory, Davao region (Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental) has been lowered to level 1 from level 2, effective Dec. 19, 2024.
READ: PH, Japan sign deal on tourism cooperation
These areas now join the cities of Mati, Tagum, Samal, Davao and Digos, which had been at level 1.
The risk advisory for Surigao City in the Caraga region and the rest of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao was also downgraded to level 1 from level 2.
Cagayan de Oro City, Jasaan, Villanueva,and Tagoloan, and Siargao Islands remain under level 1.
Japan also eased the travel warning from level 3 to level 2 for the eastern part of Sarangani province, namely Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan and Glan.
Areas in the western part of Sarangani (Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim) remain at level 3.
Under level 1, Japan only advises its citizens to “take extra care” when traveling. Level 2 discourages them from making a nonessential and nonurgent trip to an area, while level 3 advises them to “refrain traveling at any time.”
In a statement on Thursday, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco thanked the Japanese government for updating its advisory levels in the south and expressed hopes more countries would follow suit.
‘Significant move’
“This is a significant move that attests to the improved safety and security in the region as an aim to bolster tourism not only in the usual destinations but most importantly, in the emerging and lesser-known ones,” she said.
“Allowing foreigners to visit Mindanao likewise clearly manifests that the current administration promotes an inclusive environment that fosters equal growth and opportunities for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. With this move from Japan, we wish that other nations will follow suit as the Philippines offers so much more than our sun and beach destinations,” Frasco added, citing the many attractions Mindanao has to offer for both local and international tourists.
From the start of 2024 up to Dec. 28, 2024, Japan ranked as the third country to deliver the highest tourist arrivals into the Philippines, with 378,935 visitors.
The DOT has stepped up its promotion efforts to attract more Japanese travelers to visit Mindanao, especially marketing Davao and Siargao Island for its gastronomy, culture, beach and surfing areas.
In Northern Mindanao, Japanese guests have become fond of golfing, swimming, diving and birdwatching, it noted. —PNA