The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) remains unhampered at the increasing number of A (H1N1) cases in the country, optimistic that complete recovery of all confirmed patients is on the upswing.

As of 3:00 PM yesterday, June 25, 2009, there have been 727 reported cases of the virus, of which 536 or 74% of the total confirmed cases since May of this year have fully recovered from the symptoms. Based on data from the Department of Health (DOH), a notably rapid recovery is evident. To date, 85 more patients have completely recovered from the pandemic flu and were sent home, while new cases numbering 123 are being closely monitored.

According to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, “From a global perspective, the H1N1 flu is no different from the known seasonal flu; it is mild and treatable. In fact, in the US and Mexico where it all started, it is perceived and responded to just like any other seasonal flu. The state of the global economy is still the biggest challenge for the industry.”

He added, “In Australia where the most H1N1 cases in Asia Pacific are recorded, the population has already overcome the initial psychological scare that an unknown virus naturally brings. Comparing such cases with the Philippine scenario, what we have is even milder. In the country, while the occurrences of the virus are in populated areas, these are not in main tourism destinations.”

“As far as the industry is concerned, my job is to make sure this temporary concern will not distract the industry from pursuing opportunities in the near- and medium-term,” Durano further said.

The DOT likewise reported that at present, 50 foreign tour operators from France, Switzerland, China, US, Canada, as well as Asia Pacific countries are here in the Philippines for the purpose of updating themselves on the new hotels, resorts, destinations, and tourism experiences in the country.

For the previous months, the DOT has echoed the statements of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), issuing no travel restrictions.

As of 9:07 AM today, June 26, 2009, the WHO also reiterated that globally, the virus is not mutating for the moment and is stable.

The DOT’s marketing departments and regional units remain on heightened alert for any case of flu-like symptoms from arriving tourists.

DOT Marketing Teams report no buyer cancellations, especially for the present Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF) in Cebu, one of the biggest travel events in the country; and MICE Mart, also an important tourism event slated for the year.

Tourism attachés reported no cancellations or deferment in East Coast, Midwest, West Coast, US and Canada. Instead of expressing anxiety, American travelers planning to go to the Philippines have inquired more on the thermal scanning procedures and the quarantine process.

Ground handlers from the European market segment have issued no cancellations resulting from the flu, and agree that since it is the off-peak season, arrivals at this time are almost negligible. For France and Switzerland, the focus now is on air safety, following the recent Air France tragedy.

The DOT strongly urges tourism stakeholders and partners such as transportation services, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other tourism establishments, to be even more vigilant and impose stricter measures on proper hygiene to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Every step is being taken to ensure the safety of everyone. Airports and all concerned establishments from the tourism sector continue with their strict monitoring of incoming travelers who show initial symptoms.

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