High tourist arrivals in Boracay ‘good sign’
AKLAN 2nd District Representative Teodorico Haresco Jr. has welcomed the increase of foreign arrivals in Boracay as a “good sign” of economic recovery for the province and the country.
According to a report from the municipal tourism office of Malay in Aklan province, where Boracay is located, there has been a constant influx of foreign tourists on the island, indicated by a 69% increase.
The tourism office recorded 6,873 tourists in June; up from 4,268 in May; 4,737 in April; and 2,533 in March.
“The revival of the tourism industry, especially of famed destinations like Boracay Island, will be key to providing more local jobs and boosting our economic recovery,” Haresco said.
In 2019, the tourism industry contributed about 12.8% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, Haresco said that international travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic greatly reduced the sector’s contribution to 5.4% in 2020.
Employment in tourism industries was estimated at 4.68 million in 2020, or 11.9% of total employment.
This was the lowest contribution of the tourism sector to GDP after tourism employment dropped from 5.72 million in 2019, he added.
“After enduring two years of travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, Boracay Island has allowed local tourists to enter in September 2021 and foreign tourists in February 2022, contributing to the early recovery of the economy,” Haresco said.
The bulk of foreign arrivals came from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Singapore, and Korea. Domestic tourism also contributed to the tourism boom with the number of visitors in March soaring to 111,022 compared to 80,095 in February.
“The challenge for us now is to continue strictly enforcing health and safety protocols to protect both locals and tourists from COVID-19 while keeping holistic and comprehensive efforts to expand tourism recovery and build back the economy better,” Haresco added.
