Boracay braces for heavy tourist influx on Holy WeekBY JONATHAN MAYUGA
HOLY WEEK IN AKLAN. The entry of international flights in Kalibo airport boost the tourism industry of the island of Boracay (ACMagno)
BORACAY - As the simmering hot summer starts to be felt, local and foreign tourists start arriving onboard motorized bancas from Caticlan and Romblon, boosting expectations that tourist arrivals this year will hit an all-time high as projected.
Aklan Gov. Carlo Marquez said the province is eyeing around 600,000 local and foreign tourists to arrive this summer, exceeding by 100,000 last year’s record of 500,000 tourists.
Marquez said preparations are now being made for the expected heavy influx of tourists for the Holy Week during the first week of April as the Aklan airport will soon be opened to international flights coming from South Korea and other Asian countries.
He said Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl air carriers will start bringing in passengers at the domestic airport in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. He said the two airlines have made special arrangement for the opening of the domestic airport. Around 300,000 to 400,000 foreign tourists are expected to arrive in Kalibo, and all roads lead to Boracay Island.
“This is the first time that the airport will be opened to international flights,” he said. He said his office is now coordinating with local and national government agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), as well as the local tourism officers Malay town.
Security preparations, he said, is also being made. Aside from security, he said they are also preparing for the garbage disposal problem that might hit Boracay.
The local government of Malay, he said, is readying its materials recovery facilities (MRF) in three barangays.
“The local government of Malay is now making plans on how to effectively haul the garbage,” he said.
Marquez said Boracay’s popularity continues to attract tourists despite the recent negative report pertaining to the water quality owing to the defective sewerage system.
More than its pristine water and white sand beaches, Boracay has become the ultimate party place, with bars and restaurants along the beach.
The official said with the cooperation of hotel and restaurant owners in Boracay, water quality has improved.
Booking in hotels are now hot, according to hotel and restaurant owners. Casa Pilar Beach Resort, which maintains a total of 74 rooms, said it is fully booked for the entire Holy Week as early as January.
“As much as we want to accommodate more guests, we can’t do so because we are already fully booked,” Marquez said.
Aklan Gov. Carlo Marquez said the province is eyeing around 600,000 local and foreign tourists to arrive this summer, exceeding by 100,000 last year’s record of 500,000 tourists.
Marquez said preparations are now being made for the expected heavy influx of tourists for the Holy Week during the first week of April as the Aklan airport will soon be opened to international flights coming from South Korea and other Asian countries.
He said Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl air carriers will start bringing in passengers at the domestic airport in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. He said the two airlines have made special arrangement for the opening of the domestic airport. Around 300,000 to 400,000 foreign tourists are expected to arrive in Kalibo, and all roads lead to Boracay Island.
“This is the first time that the airport will be opened to international flights,” he said. He said his office is now coordinating with local and national government agencies, particularly the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), as well as the local tourism officers Malay town.
Security preparations, he said, is also being made. Aside from security, he said they are also preparing for the garbage disposal problem that might hit Boracay.
The local government of Malay, he said, is readying its materials recovery facilities (MRF) in three barangays.
“The local government of Malay is now making plans on how to effectively haul the garbage,” he said.
Marquez said Boracay’s popularity continues to attract tourists despite the recent negative report pertaining to the water quality owing to the defective sewerage system.
More than its pristine water and white sand beaches, Boracay has become the ultimate party place, with bars and restaurants along the beach.
The official said with the cooperation of hotel and restaurant owners in Boracay, water quality has improved.
Booking in hotels are now hot, according to hotel and restaurant owners. Casa Pilar Beach Resort, which maintains a total of 74 rooms, said it is fully booked for the entire Holy Week as early as January.
“As much as we want to accommodate more guests, we can’t do so because we are already fully booked,” Marquez said.
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