Boracay tourism receipts at P90-B in five years

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Tourism receipts generated in Boracay Island totalled P90,224,863,178 from 2009 to 2013.

Tourism receipts have been on the rise for the past five years. In 2013, tourism receipts grew to P25,067,622,623 from P11,941,102,920 in 2009.

Two years ago, tourism receipts hit P22,175,013,016 compared to P16,708,212,675 in 2011.

Tourist arrivals in Boracay Island also reached 4,907,953 for the last five years, according to data from Department of Tourism (DoT).

DoT data also showed that tourist arrivals reached 1,363,601 last year, up by 13 percent from 1,206,252 in 2012.

In 2009, Boracay Island accommodated 649,559 inbound tourists and it grew to 779,666 in 2010. 

Revenues from local and foreign travelers are expected to increase as the provincial government targets 1.5 million visitors this year. 

Total foreign tourists for the last five years also reached 1,920,220 compared to domestic tourists of 2,987,733.

Last year, Boracay Island was able to attract 615,508 foreign visitors. 

The top five visitors in Boracay Island in 2013 came from South Korea (208,665); China (200,794); Taiwan (39,706); Russia (19,407) and United States (19,316).

Other top visitors of Boracay were Australians, Singaporeans, British, Japanese and Hongkong nationals.

Except for international airfare, foreign travelers spend mostly on accommodation, sight-seeing, foods and beverages, shopping and local transport.