Strong chance for Boracay to host 2015 APEC meetings – DoT Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

In Boracay, Tourism officer Artemio Ticar is optimistic of the chances of Boracay to host meetings of high-ranking officials for 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). 

Ambassador Ma. Angelina Sta. Catalina, APEC’s deputy director general for conference services and other APEC National Organizing Council (NOC) officials have been here for two days to inspect possible sites in Boracay Island.

“Kahit may habagat, naging successful muli ang inspection ng APEC NOC team na napunta dito sa Boracay para tingnan ang mga facilities at amenities ng mga hotels at resorts kung papasa ang mga ito. Hindi masyadong umulan at lumabas ang araw sa Boracay,” he said.

Ticar stressed, ”kahit hindi pa final at wala pang signal to host ang APEC meetings, ang chances ng Boracay sa hosting ng ministerial meetings by 2015, sa palagay ko ay halos sa 90 percent. Malaki at maraming reasons bakit dito sa Boracay Island ang APEC meetings.”

With the combination of accessibility, accommodations, local political support and with its multitudes of world-class hotels and restaurants, the island of Boracay is ideal for APEC meetings by May 2015.

Boracay is accessible to participants and guests via Kalibo International Airport in Kalibo, Aklan and the Caticlan airport in Malay, Aklan.

“We are strong on those positions compared sa ibang sites ng APEC summit meetings. Naghahanda na ang bawat government agencies dito, lalong lalo na ang munisipyo ng Malay dahil sila ang focal agency pagdating sa preparations sa itong APEC,” Ticar added.

APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. APEC is composed of 21 member economies of Malaysia, Philippines, Australia, Canada, Japan, United States, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Chile, Peru, Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Russia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.

Established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies and the advent of regional economic blocs, APEC works towards a higher standard of living and higher education levels through sustainable economic growth.