DOT Aids Stranded Tourists Amid Tropical Storm Kristine

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is assisting stranded tourists across the country following disruptions caused by Tropical Storm Kristine, which has severely impacted travel and damaged several tourist sites.

According to the DOT’s latest advisory, as of 12:00 a.m. on October 25, 2024, its regional offices reported 529 stranded tourists in various regions.

The affected areas include Region II (Batanes) with 179 tourists; Region IV-A (Mauban, Quezon, and Lobo, Batangas) with 16 tourists; MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque) with 33 tourists; Region VI (Boracay) with 12 tourists; Region VIII (Maasin) with 25 tourists; and Region XIII (Surigao del Norte) with 264 tourists.

Additionally, 14 tourist sites in Sorsogon, Masbate, Batangas, and the Dinagat Islands have sustained damage due to the storm.

The DOT is verifying reports of more stranded tourists in Northern Luzon and the Bicol Region, areas currently bearing the brunt of the storm. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.

“The Department of Tourism is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our local and foreign tourists affected by Tropical Storm Kristine. We are closely coordinating with our regional offices, local government units (LGUs), and other government agencies to provide immediate assistance to stranded tourists. The DOT stands ready to extend all necessary support during this time,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

The DOT, through its regional offices, is collaborating with accommodation establishments to provide temporary shelter for stranded tourists. It is also working with LGUs and national agencies, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), to ensure immediate assistance is delivered.

The DOT advises all tourists and travelers to stay informed through official weather bulletins from PAGASA and local advisories. Travelers are urged to avoid traveling to affected areas or ports until authorities have declared it safe to do so.

For tourist information and assistance, DOT’s Tourist Assistance Agents are available via: Mobile, 0995-835-5155; Facebook, Department of Tourism – Philippines page; Email, touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; and Click2Call and Live Webchat at beta.tourism.gov.ph.

The DOT remains committed to ensuring the welfare of both local and international tourists, providing necessary support during this period of inclement weather.

The department is also exploring ways to assist not only affected tourists but also tourism workers and establishments impacted by the storm.

“In addition to assisting tourists, we are preparing to extend support to displaced tourism workers affected by the storm. As we continue to assess the damage to tourist sites and businesses, the DOT is ready to mobilize resources to help our tourism frontliners and establishments recover and rebuild,” Secretary Frasco added.