BORACAY – The tourism reboot feels bright in Boracay Island once again. Foreign tourists are itching to visit the island with the easing of lockdown restrictions in a pandemic.
Boracay Island welcomed foreign tourists on February 12 after nearly two years of tough measures to combat the coronavirus.
The island drew 434 foreigners in February this year. Tourists from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States make up the bulk of the first wave of tourists.
Though the island opened to visitors from other countries, there have been no chartered or direct flights to Kalibo International Airport.
Locals also spend more time holidaying in Boracay Island with 80,095 arrivals. Some 353 overseas Filipino workers also head for the sun this season, the Malay Municipal Tourism Office said.
The numbers are low, but the stakeholders are optimistic that it will eventually go back to pre-pandemic levels.
Travelers are only required to present their vaccination card or certificate for being fully vaccinated. Visitors – partially or unvaccinated – just need a negative COVID-19 test result taken 72 hours before a flight.
Quarantine is also not required in Boracay Island for tourists. They are asked to follow the minimum health protocols like wearing masks and social distancing.
Curfew hours are also lifted on the island allowing restaurants, bars, and public transport to operate 24/7./PN
