The Department of Tourism (DOT) has called out Canadian insurance firm HelloSafe after it falsely labeled the Philippines as the “least safe country” for travelers in its Travel Safety Index—an error that was quietly edited without explanation.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco issued a strongly worded statement, demanding the correction of all misleading content on the company’s platforms. “We demand that HelloSafe 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,” she said.
The listing, Frasco emphasized, had real-world consequences. “It disrupted bookings and businesses. It cast doubt on our destinations. Worse, it harmed the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos who depend on tourism,” she added, pointing out the broader impact on communities whose economies rely on the sector.
Frasco also challenged the credibility of the index itself, saying it seemed more focused on boosting travel insurance sales than accurately assessing traveler safety. She criticized HelloSafe for silently replacing the Philippines with another country in the ranking without issuing a proper clarification.
While acknowledging the Philippines, like any nation, faces safety challenges, Frasco underscored the ongoing efforts to ensure visitor protection. “Safety is not taken for granted,” she said, noting the presence of trained police, coordination with law enforcement, and the dedication of tourism workers across key and emerging destinations.
The DOT is urging HelloSafe to be accountable for the misinformation and its ripple effects on the country’s tourism sector.
