BORACAY – The tourism sector in this holiday island witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals in December 2021. Domestic tourism is helping soften the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, at least for now.
The data from Malay Municipal Tourism Office showed domestic tourist arrivals reached 83,226 from Dec. 1 to 25, 2021. Of this, 44 percent were tourists from the National Capital Region and 18 percent from Western Visayas.
Due to the easing of restrictions, travelers to Boracay Island are required to only provide a negative test result for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated at least 72 hours before the date of travel, while fully vaccinated tourists must show proof of vaccination dose.
The island suffered a sharp drop in international tourists due to travel restrictions. Many tourism establishments have to shut down, thereby displacing a large number of employees and other related hospitality activities.
The emergence of a new coronavirus variant (Omicron) derailed the entry of foreign tourists to the country. However, domestic tourism is expected to recover steadily until 2022 as people prefer to stay and visit local destinations.
In radio interviews, Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores voiced confidence that the tourism and hospitality sector will overcome the impact of the health crisis.
Boracay Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Alliance is also optimistic of the recovery of the premier tourist destination.
“When we say Boracay, we want people to think beyond the sun, sand and sea. We want guests to start thinking a destination that allows genuine cooperation, breathtaking moments and creative breakthrough, where people aspire for the greater things they desire,” it said.
As of Dec. 30, 2021 Malay and Boracay Island have no active coronavirus cases./PN
