CEBU CITY – The Region 7 office here of the Department of Health (DoH 7) said every tourist remains welcome in the region despite the threat of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, however, they will have to undergo the health measures at the airport.

DoH 7’s Pandemic Influenza Command spokesperson Dr. Cora Lou Kintanar said the coming in of tourists to the region, especially in Cebu, should not cause public panic although she stressed that the public must always stay on alert.

Kintanar made the pronouncement as Cebu will once again host the Philippine International Travel Fair (PITF) next week, a gathering of tourism buyers and suppliers from the different countries around the world.

There are at least 62 foreign buyers who have confirmed participation in the PITF that will be held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in this city.

“Every tourist is welcome. There is no need to be alarmed, we should not panic at the sight of tourists but we have to be on alert always,” said Kintanar.

Despite the global financial crisis and the onslaught of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, the tourism industry remains vibrant and the international buyers, from the US, UK, India, China, the Middle East, among others, have confirmed participation in the PITF, considered as the biggest tourism fair held in the Visayas.

The international buyers were carefully screened by tourism attaches in their respective countries to ensure that only those who are keen on doing business in the country will be given an all expense paid participation in the PITF that will be held from June 25 to 27. (Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)