BORACAY – A business group in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan backs a collective strategy to improve the overall condition and competitiveness of the world-famous island.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Boracay wants to shift the marketing efforts of stakeholders and the local and national authorities to portray Boracay Island as a fun, relaxing, and welcoming destination.
The island welcomed 1,719,849 tourists from January to October this year, compared to 1,791,594 for the same period in 2023.
In its Facebook post on November 5, the business group proposed to the local government to equalize or lessen the environmental fee for both domestic and international tourists, ensure the efficient utilization of P10-million budget and complete renovations before the habagat season and install persons with disabilities (PWD) friendly facilities in Caticlan jetty port.
The stakeholders in Boracay Island also requested a unified ticketing system for environmental and port fees, enforce existing municipal ordinance that prohibits the selling of activities, sunglasses, massages and braids, and eliminate additional fees on island hopping, snorkeling and picnicking.
PCCI-Boracay also recommended to develop a regulatory framework for the controlled and environmentally responsible reintroduction of beach tables and chairs to enhance tourist comfort while conserving the environment, and also to increase the number of events and activities to attract and entertain tourists, ensuring that their stay is both memorable and engaging./PN
