Philippines posts tourism record despite Boracay closure
Despite the months-long closure of its tourism hotspot Boracay, the Philippines still posted a tourism record again.
The Department of Tourism said there were 7.1 million foreign visitor arrivals in 2018, a growth rate of 7.6%.
However it was still a little short of its initial 2018 target of 7.4 million.
Boracay’s six-month closure didn’t impact the numbers too badly, and in fact has ‘become a blessing in disguise,’ said tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat.
It opened up an opportunity for secondary tourism spots to have a ‘share of the limelight and attention they truly deserve,’ she said.
The DOT said destinations including Siargao, Iloilo, Palawan, La Union, Romblon, and Siquijor have benefitted from Boracay’s closure.
During a press briefing at the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Vietnam, the DOT commended the way Boracay’s rehabilitation was conducted and is looking closely at Palawan as the next destination in need of a helping hand to protect its natural environment.
Addressing the media at ATF 2019, Romulo Puyat said the Boracay closure and reopening with new restrictions is a good example of ‘not only sustainable tourism but also socially responsible tourism.’
The island has set a strict, much reduced daily ‘carrying capacity’ to limit the numbers of visitors, as well as imposing new regulations to outlaw anti-social behaviour, beach parties, smoking and drinking in public and even building sandcastles on the beach.
Overall, China was the big growth market, overtaking the US as the country’s second largest source market behind South Korea.
The government is hoping to boost the market further by simplifying the visa on arrival process for Chinese nationals.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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