BORACAY – “Skilled workers” who may be displaced if ever closure plans on this world-famous island pushes through may not come back, according to a local group of tour guides.
Boracay Filipino-Chinese Tour Guides’ Association president Thomas Santiago said the national government must learn from what happened after the Manila hostage crisis involving Chinese tourists on August 23, 2010.
“Remember when a group of Chinese tourists was held hostage in Manila several years ago? As a result, only few Chinese tourists came to Manila,” said Santiago. “When Manila opened its doors to Chinese tourists once again, workers at hotels and restaurants, among others, were unprepared.”
He added, “This may also happen to Boracay. Skilled workers in certain fields may go to different paths, which would result to the vacuum of skilled personnel.”
According to Santiago, some Chinese tourists were disappointed over the mulled island shutdown.
He added that at least three airlines – which he did not name – have already cancelled some of their direct flights to Kalibo, Aklan, including those from Hong Kong.
“There are eight cities from China which have direct flights to Kalibo. Each Chinese tourist spends around P30,000 to P40,000 for their three-day stay in Boracay. The impact of closure would be unimaginable for us (workers),” said Santiago.
He stressed that they are “willing to help solve the environmental woes in Boracay only if we will be given a chance.”
Santiago’s group has about 130 regular members./PN
