Department of Tourism-XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan says she is banking hope on the resiliency of the tourism sector.
Based on the tourism industry stakeholders they’ve gotten in touch with, Rabat- Tan said most are just waiting for the opportunity to reopen their businesses.
“So far sa mga nakausap naman natin (with the ones we’ve talked to), although there are some establishments for example some restaurants and even sa primary parang di na makayanan mag revive pa if every may chance na mag open ( no longer capable of reviving if there is a chance to open) these are just a few, mostly naman they are just really waiting when they can operate for some closing their establishment is not an option,” RD Rabat-Tan said during her guesting at the One Davao on COVID-19 online presser.
She said the resiliency among Davao tourism industry is not surprising based on what happened last year with a series of strong earthquakes hitting the region.
“It’s surprising how people here, the Dabawenyos react to this type of crisis, it brings out the best in us, it only showcase the resilience but of course we cannot compare this unprecedented COVID crisis with the earthquake but it just shows the spirit of Dabawenyo also the Filipinos as a whole, it is still intact, it will still shine through,” the DOT-XI head said.
Currently the DOT-XI is orienting tourism stakeholders in Davao City and the provinces the new guidelines. Various speakers from the DOT central office were present to brief the stakeholders.
“Eventually masasanay tayo (We will get used to it) it will be the new normal. This is they way we handle things after the quarantine is lifted, there is no way to go but to adopt the new normal,” RD Rabat-Tan said of the initial reaction to the new guidelines.
RD Rabat-Tan also shared DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat’s message which stated that the new tourism currency is trust. “We have to capitalize on that, initially we need to gain confidence of everyone, everyone is scared to travel. Things are uncertain, we have to regain that confidence and trust,” RD Rabat-Tan said.
She said on the drawing board is a social marketing campaign aimed at regaining the confidence and trust of tourists when everything goes back to normal. (PIA/RG Alama)
