MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) condemned a report by an online travel insurance firm claiming that the Philippines was the “least safe country on the planet,” saying the “false” report could cause adverse effects on the already flourishing tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco slammed the authenticity of the “HelloSafe Safety Index 2025” by HelloSafe, which revealed that the Philippines “appears at the top of this ranking” of the world’s “least safe cities.”
“What was presented as an objective safety index was, in fact, built on questionable data, lacking in transparency, and entirely disconnected from realities on the ground,” she wrote in her statement published on her official Facebook page last June 19, 2025.
“Moreover, a thorough examination of HelloSafe’s websites reveals a focus on driving travel insurance sales rather than ensuring accurate safety assessments as it clearly lacked full methodology disclosure or identifiable data sources, reusing the identical score (82.32) for different countries in just 6 days,” she added.
The Tourism chief also asserted the damage caused by the HelloSafe “safety index” has been done, which interrupted the confidence already expressed by foreign travelers for the Philippines.
“The impact of this false narrative is not abstract. It disrupted bookings and businesses. It cast doubt on our destinations. Worse, it harmed the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos who depend on tourism, and entire communities whose economies rise and fall with the confidence of travelers,” Frasco stated.
She demanded HelloSafe to “correct all references to the erroneous data against the Philippines across its platforms and to ensure the accuracy and consistency of its reporting tools, including interactive visual assets.”
With this demand, Frasco gave her assurance that relevant authorities, including the DOT and the police, are doing their best to ensure a safe, secure, and pleasurable stay of tourists in the Philippines.
“We fully recognize that the Philippines, like any country, has challenges. We do not deny that. The fact remains that extensive work is being done daily to address those challenges,” Frasco said.
“Across our key and emerging destinations, safety is not taken for granted. It is upheld by trained police personnel, supported by strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies and local governments, and reinforced by the commitment of our tourism workers,” she wrote.
Tourism Leaders rally behind the industry
Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) President Arthur Lopez also condemned the “misleading" HelloSafe report, saying that this is “detrimental to the efforts of the tourism and hospitality industry.”
“We find the article misleading, unfair, and detrimental to the efforts of the tourism and hospitality industry. We remain fully committed to supporting the Department of Tourism’s mission to promote the Philippines as a safe, vibrant, and enjoyable destination for all and highlight the genuine hospitality, resilience, and professionalism of Filipino tourism workers,” he said.
In addition, Maria Paz Alberto, representing the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA), voiced her disapproval of the “inaccurate” HelloSafe ranking for the Philippines.
“This unjust characterization not only misrepresents the realities of travel safety in the Philippines but also undermines the diligent efforts made by local stakeholders to promote tourism in the region. Such misleading narratives can deter prospective visitors, leading to profound and lasting repercussions for businesses reliant on inbound tourism,” reads the statement.
They also noted that the spread of false information “can have detrimental effects not only on reputation but also on economic sustainability.”
“We urge all entities involved in travel communication to adhere to responsible reporting practices, ensuring that potential visitors receive an accurate portrayal of the attractions and safety measures that the Philippines has to offer,” they appealed.
Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Mariegel Tankiang Manotoc also weighed in on the subject: "As an international platform, we trust that Hellosafe will take greater care in fact-checking to help ensure fair and balanced reporting. Tourism is an important part of the Philippine economy and supports many livelihoods. Inaccurate information can unintentionally impact ongoing efforts to rebuild and grow the sector."
"The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) continues to support the Department of Tourism’s initiatives in promoting the country. We warmly invite Hellosafe and other stakeholders to visit and experience the Philippines’ natural beauty, rich culture, and renowned hospitality firsthand," she added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Arjun Shroff responded to Secretary Frasco’s statement, saying: “Yes those who send a self-centered message must be, should be corrected,” he said.
