New direct flights to and from China and Macau
More tourists from China can be expected this year as airline company AirAsia Philippines opens its new direct flights from Kalibo International Airport [2]. Direct flights from Kalibo to Kunming and Chengdu province in China have started on January 24 and 25, respectively. The Kalibo-Chengdu route will be available four times weekly while the Kalibo-Kunming will be offered three times weekly. Starting March 2, direct flights from Kalibo to Macau will also start with three flights weekly. The new international routes are expected to once again boost Boracay tourism. Last year, China had the most number of visitors to Boracay, followed by South Korea.
More compliant businesses
The number of compliant hotels and resorts in Boracay has climbed to 307 already as of January 15 [3]. The accredited accommodation establishments comprise a total of 10,982 rooms ready to host tourists from all over the world. Only those who have bookings with establishments on the compliant list are allowed to enter the island.
Closure impact on Boracay tourism
Latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas showed a huge impact of the closure to the island’s tourism arrivals [4]. It showed that from more than 2 million in 2017, it dropped to 941,868 tourist arrivals in 2018. To note, the island was closed for six months from April 26 to October 25 to give way for its rehabilitation. With the closure, tourism revenue also decreased to P28 billion in 2018 from P56.4 billion in 2017.
Bulabog Beach eyed to open for swimming
In media interviews, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said that the agency is now eyeing to open Bulabog Beach for swimming [5]. Bulabog Beach used to have a high coliform level, bu is now within standards according to Cimatu. The beach is more known among water sports enthusiasts, particularly among kiteboarders and kitesurfers.
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References:
[1] https://bit.ly/2T5AR7y
[2] https://bit.ly/2Uf9Kag
[3] https://bit.ly/2Uf9Kag
[4] https://bit.ly/2RP1d0P
[5] https://bit.ly/2RP19y7