By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
BORACAY — It remains uncertain whether or not this world-famous island resort will host ministerial meetings during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit next year.
Right now, nothing is 100-percent sure for Boracay and other shortlisted destinations and venues.
“The (APEC) National Organizing Committee is still inspecting and evaluating possible sites,” said Helen Catalbas, Department of Tourism regional director.
Along with other potential venues in Western Visayas, Boracay will have to await the decision of President Benigno Aquino III, she said.
MAKE OR BREAK
Catalbas said hosting the international event can “make or break Boracay Island.”
Aside from the international media’s attention, the hosting will attract huge opportunities for the island to promote its tourism, she said.
Inevitably, international television, newspaper, and new media reporters will be present in the island, said Catalbas.
They will show, through their reports, the natural beauty, warm people, lush hotels and resorts, and the culture of Aklan and Boracay, she said.
They will also show the capacity of Boracay to host major gatherings of international interest, the Tourism regional director said.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Catalbas stressed.
Next year will be the Philippines’ second time to host the APEC Summit, an annual gathering of leaders in the Asia-Pacific.
The last time the country hosted the international event was in November 1996 in Subic Bay, Zambales.
APEC Summit is the premier economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region.
Established in 1989, APEC comprises 21 member-economies from around the Pacific Rim. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
