KALIBO, Aklan – Kalibo International Airport is ready to accept foreign tourists partially or unvaccinated and fully vaccinated against Covid-19 without undergoing quarantine after the provincial government announced the easing of travel restrictions.
Airport manager Engr. Eusebio Monserate, Jr. said the new guidelines will likely restart the economy and tourism plugged by the pandemic for almost two years.
It means more tourists to Boracay Island and could bring back jobs of locals in hotels and restaurants, tricycle drivers, and porters in the airport.
At present, there are domestic flights between Kalibo and Manila on a daily basis.
The good news is Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia Philippines will increase their flight frequencies to serve the surge of travelers to the province of Aklan.
Fully vaccinated tourists have to present their vaccination cards or certificates issued abroad to enter the province of Aklan, while partially or unvaccinated individuals must show proof of negative swab or nasal Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.
The reopening of international flights from neighboring countries of China, South Korea, and Taipei has yet to start, but for the time being, the Kalibo airport personnel are now prepared for the influx of visitors.
Apart from this, Kalibo airport is implementing a ‘no vaccine, no entry’ policy for its employees and other airport users within the airport premises.
Wearing face masks and social distancing are also enforced to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Boracay Island welcomed 35,799 tourists in January, still below pre-pandemic levels. The island saw visitor numbers plummet to just 325,000 in 2021, compared to 2 million a year before the pandemic./PN
