BORACAY – To avoid inconvenience, vacationists heading to Boracay must pre-book their hotels before flying to the island, suggested the Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CEB).
In an advisory, CEB reminded passengers bound for Caticlan (the jump-off point to Boracay in Malay, Aklan) and Kalibo, Aklan to show proof of confirmed hotel bookings.
This is due to the new requirement for tourists to pre-book in a government-accredited hotel before they could fly to the island resort.
“We strongly advise guests to check if their chosen hotel or resort has been certified compliant and permitted to operate,” the advisory added.
These hotels and resorts must be compliant with the requirements of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Boracay has been closed for tourists for six months since April 26 for the island’s environmental rehabilitation. It is reopening today.
Meanwhile, PAL reminded its passengers about the “no booking, no entry” policy in Boracay.
Spokesperson Cielo Villaluna earlier said there will be a verification booth at the Caticlan Airport and Kalibo International Airport.
CEB has resumed its flights to Caticlan while PAL will have its flights to and from Caticlan and Kalibo starting Oct. 28.
DOT warned non-compliant and non-accredited establishments accepting bookings in Boracay they would be dealt with the “full force of the law.”
In an advisory, DOT instructed all concerned establishments to delete or put on hold all their online promotions and other related collaterals until complete compliance with government regulations had been accomplished.
“All Boracay Island accommodation establishments that are not compliant with DILG and DENR requirements and are not yet accredited with DOT are hereby strongly advised to cease and desist from making room bookings or sale for occupancy starting Oct. 26, 2018 onward until such time that all requirements for opening their establishments are in order and complete,” the advisory stated.
“Those found violating the terms of this advisory shall be dealt with full force of the law,” it added. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
