The Implementation of a Safety Policy on Tourists’ Sea Transportation in Cagbalete Island, Philippines

Abstract

Transport is undoubtedly a vital component in the tourism system. According to Eggler& Dupeyras (2015) in an international transport forum, transport is an essential component of tourism by definition, providing connections between regions, domestically and internationally, and connecting attractions, accommodation and commercial servicesat destinations. In the study of Prince Mdusm (2016), it is stated that there is a general agreement that tourism expands more when there are better transportation systems. There is evidence, for instance, that satisfaction with public transport may influence a visitor's satisfaction with the destination. More so, to promote effective public transport use, it is important to have an excellent system of safety. This system includes safety and security which perceived by tourists to be at a high cost but relevant to transportation. This study aimed to present the extent of implementation of the safety policy, awareness and compliance to the Implementation of Safety Policy on Tourists’ Sea Transportation in Cagbalete Island, Philippines. This study used a mixed-method research design through concurrent triangulation to which the data gathered from the survey with respondents were triangulate with the participants’ interviews. The researcher employed a survey questionnaire for quantitative data and a guided interview for qualitative data. It revealed that safety policy is implemented, respondents are aware and boat operators are complying with the policy. In addition, there is no significant difference in implementation, awareness, and compliance between tourists and boat operators to the safety policy implementation on tourists’ sea transportation of Cagbelete Island. It means that this result accepted the hypothesis. However, based on the most common participants’ view, challenges exist due to lack of coordination and government systems such as bureaucracy and red tape. The result of the study will serve as a guide for the authority to effectively implement safety policy on sea transportation. Based on the findings and conclusions, it is recommended that a comprehensive guideline in implementing safety policy is needed to be adopted by the local government unit of Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon, Philippines.