DAVAO CITY — The Department of Tourism has advised travelers to coordinate with hotels and tour operators following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026. While several tourism activities have been temporarily suspended, authorities emphasized that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring visitor safety. The region's tourism industry is responding with resilience and a strong commitment to protecting guests.
The earthquake triggered immediate safety operations across affected areas. Ground deformation was reported in Barangay Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani, while a landslide occurred at Mt. Melibengoy near Lake Holon in South Cotabato. All tourists in the affected mountain area were safely escorted down by authorities, demonstrating the effectiveness of local emergency protocols. A beachfront resort in the area also sustained structural damage to cottages.
Lake Holon Temporarily Closed
The DOT confirmed that Lake Holon in T'boli, South Cotabato, and all associated tourism activities are temporarily closed effective immediately. The closure allows authorities to conduct thorough hazard and safety assessments before allowing visitors to return. The decision reflects a safety-first approach that prioritizes human life over commercial interests.
The temporary suspension of tourism activities extends to selected festivals and events across the region. Duaw Dabaw: Reyna ng Davao 2026 has been postponed, while eco parks and coastal tourism activities in Davao Oriental are suspended. Water-based tourism activities in affected coastal areas and selected festivals in Sarangani and Davao Occidental have also been cancelled as part of ongoing safety measures.
Hotels and Infrastructure Under Assessment
Several hotels and accommodation establishments in General Santos City reportedly sustained varying degrees of damage. The affected properties are undergoing thorough inspections and safety checks before they can resume normal operations. Tourism stakeholders are working closely with local government units and disaster management offices to expedite assessments.
Despite the disruptions, parts of Davao City remain operational for essential travel and accommodation services. The DOT has urged travelers to monitor official advisories before proceeding with travel and to coordinate directly with hotels and tour operators for cancellations or rebooking. Authorities also reminded the public to avoid sharing unverified information and to rely only on official government sources for updates.
A Resilient Industry Ready to Recover
The temporary closures and suspensions are expected to be lifted once structural and environmental assessments are completed. The region's tourism industry has weathered challenges before and is demonstrating the same resilience now. Local tourism offices are working to ensure that visitors can return to Davao's renowned attractions as soon as conditions allow.
The earthquake's impact on tourism, while significant, is temporary. The safety of every visitor remains the top priority, and the precautionary measures in place reflect the industry's commitment to that principle. As assessments continue, the Davao Region is preparing to welcome tourists back with the warmth and hospitality for which it is known.
