Philippines Tourism Affected After Hostage Crisis

Tourism in the Philippines' Boracay Island is suffering a blow in the aftermath of the Manila bus hijacking that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead. "Definitely there's an impact, as we have also a reservation in Manila office, and they're in charge of taking all these bookings, and they reported to me that there's some cancellation due to this incident."

Most tourists cited security concerns, following the botched rescue operations in the hostage taking where an ex-policeman held a busload of tourists at gunpoint. "If that even happened earlier, maybe I will not, I will have no this plan to come here."


"Actually I was a bit afraid of coming here." "So I think they should learn lesson from that and make things better. And so that, for tourists who come to visit Philippines will feel safe."

Tourists from Mainland China count for 50 percent of their business, with Hong Kong visitors accounting for 7 percent. But after the Hong Kong government issued a black travel warning to its citizens, Boracay resorts have been hit with hundreds of cancellations.

"I pray that this incident will be finished, and it will not prolong so much. And relationship between our country and Hong Kong will be still there."

Two days after the hostage taking, 800 rooms were canceled in hotels around Boracay. Tourism authorities have said they will launch a massive campaign to restore the Philippines' image, and offer budget promotions to attract foreign visitors.

Sourced=english