There is cautious optimism for the future of tourism in Boracay Island. In the midst of a pandemic, tourists are allowed to spend their holidays on the island, even though in strict compliance with public health protocols.
With the possible emergence of highly transmissible variants, the traffic numbers and the travel industry are also struggling to cope with the ongoing pandemic.
There are signs of holiday travel slowing down in Boracay Island following the new surge of cases across the province of Aklan.
âBumaba ang dagsa ng turista itong linggo. Mahigit lamang sa 400 na turista ang dumarating sa ngayon,â said Malay acting mayor Frolibar Bautista.
December 2021 is the closest month to pre-pandemic levels averaging 4,000 to 5,000 visitors before the provincial government imposed tightened pandemic protocols for incoming travelers to Aklan.
According to Malay Municipal Tourism Office, some 113,000 tourists visited the island in December.
Tourists from National Capital Region recorded 49,185.
A negative swab or nasal test result taken 72 hours prior to arrival is mandatory for fully, partially, or unvaccinated individuals. Hotel bookings and digital health declaration forms are also required for domestic tourists prior to entry to Boracay Island.
The costs of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results for staycation purposes, however, hampered the recovery of the tourism industry.
Amid the surging infections, Bautista reminded the residents to visit the vaccination centers and get their vaccines and booster.
âWe still have to be vigilant and give time to push the vaccination and booster drive in communities,â he added.
Malay has 103 active cases as of January 12, 2022, of which, two individuals infected with the coronavirus were admitted to Aklan provincial hospital./PN
