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.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025