The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday welcomed Japan’s recent decision to ease travel advisories for parts of Mindanao as a positive development for the Philippines’ tourism industry.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the advisory is expected to enhance tourism revenue and generate livelihood opportunities in related sectors.
“Welcoming more international visitors to Mindanao reflects the administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. We hope other nations follow Japan’s lead as the Philippines offers diverse experiences beyond its iconic beaches,” Frasco said.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently downgraded its travel advisory levels for several areas in Mindanao. It lowered its advisory for the Davao region, including Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental from level 2 to level 1.
This also includes the cities of Mati, Tagum, Samal, Davao, and Digos, which remain at Level 1. In Northern Mindanao, Misamis Oriental transitioned from level 2 to level 1, joining Cagayan de Oro City, Jasaan, Villanueva, and Tagoloan, with maintained level 1 status.
Surigao City in the Caraga Region transitioned to level 1, aligning with the Siargao Islands. In Soccsksargen, parts of Sarangani province, including Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan and Glan, improved from level 3 to level 2.
Under Japan’s advisory system, level 1 urges travelers to exercise extra caution, level 2 advises against non-essential travel and level 3 discourages travel entirely.
Frasco highlighted the success of the Mindanao Tourism Convergence initiative in Zamboanga City, a collaborative effort with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to position Mindanao as a peaceful and viable destination.
She noted the financial impact of increased tourism, with the Philippines recording visitor receipts of P712 billion from Jan. 1 to Dec. 15, 2024, a 119-percent recovery from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Japan is the Philippines’ third-largest source of international visitors, contributing 378,935 arrivals as of Dec. 28, 2024.
The DOT aims to attract Japanese tourists further to explore destinations like Davao and Siargao for their culinary, cultural and outdoor activities as well as Northern Mindanao for golfing, diving and birdwatching.
