BORACAY – Tourist arrivals in Boracay Island continue to bounce back in January to September 2022, taking 65 percent of the numbers of pre-pandemic levels.
Arrivals in the island have reached 1,311,854 in the first three quarters of 2022 as compared to 2,034,599 arrivals in 2019.
Foreigners also resumed international travel with 67,697 arrivals from January to September, according to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office.
The number of arrivals is only eight percent of 865,419 foreign tourists in 2019 despite the easing of restrictions during this period. Majority of foreign visitors in 2022 came from South Korea, United States of America and United Kingdom.
On a positive note, many Filipinos have travelled domestically with 1,217,070 arrivals in Boracay Island, making up the huge void from the international market.
For September alone, domestic visitors accounted for 106,776, while foreigners registered 12,513 arrivals.
The tourism sector in Boracay Island has been dramatically impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The disruption to tourism had more than two years of no revenue for local establishments in the island.
To get the tourism sector back up and running, international flights from South Korea had resumed their operations in Kalibo, Aklan.
Amid concerns over coronavirus, Boracay Island still gained reputation as a “tourist paradise” for its world famous beaches, spas and fun-in-the-sun water sports./PN
