The pinch on tourism caused by the Aug. 23 Manila hostage crisis has prompted some hotels and resorts in Cebu province to slash their rates by as much as 50 percent. Radio dzBB's Cebu affiliate reported Saturday the Lapu-Lapu City government allowed the 50-percent discounts from September 20 to December 15. City officials led by Mayor Paz Radaza noted a drop in the arrival of tourists from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan following the hostage crisis. On the other hand, the city government noted tourists from South Korea continue to arrive. The city is on Mactan Island where the international airport is also located. Eight Hong Kong tourists and their hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, were killed in the 11-hour standoff. The hostage crisis prompted Hong Kong to impose a “black” travel advisory on the Philippines, discouraging all unnecessary travel to the country. Philippine officials are conducting an investigation into the incident in a bid to restore good relations with China and Hong Kong.
