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Tourism officials warn Eastern Visayas to brace for El Niño impacts

The Department of Tourism has issued a public advisory urging local governments and tourism operators in Eastern Visayas to strengthen preparedness measures ahead of El Niño. Officials cautioned that the weather phenomenon could strain water resources, disrupt tourism activities, and pose safety risks to visitors.

LSN Philippines · 15 October 2026

TACLOBAN CITY — Tourism authorities in Eastern Visayas are calling on stakeholders to review and bolster their contingency plans as El Niño conditions threaten the region's tourism sector.

The Department of Tourism-Region 8 (DOT-8) issued the alert on Tuesday, warning that prolonged dry spells and elevated temperatures associated with El Niño could create operational challenges across the region's hospitality industry. Water supply constraints and heat-related concerns have been identified as primary risks that could affect both tourism establishments and visitor experiences.

Local government units and tourism businesses have been advised to assess their current preparedness protocols and implement necessary measures to mitigate potential disruptions. The advisory encompasses a range of sectors, from accommodation providers to tour operators, as authorities seek to ensure the tourism industry remains resilient during the anticipated weather event.

Regional tourism officials emphasized the importance of proactive planning to maintain service standards and visitor safety throughout the dry season. The warning comes as El Niño conditions are expected to impact weather patterns across the broader Southeast Asian region.