Aklan, Malay fix QR code glitch for Boracay travelers

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The local governments of Aklan province and Malay town are trying to fix the system that issues QR codes to tourists who want to visit the famed Boracay Island.

This, after several tourists to Boracay missed their flights after failing to secure QR codes as the system used by the provincial government crashed due to the huge volume of visitors who want to go on vacation to the island.

Acting Mayor Frolibar Bautista of Malay said they have met yesterday with representatives from the provincial government of Aklan, Department of Tourism, and private sectors to address the alleged glitches in the release of QR codes.

Around 20 tourists complained via social media that they failed to board their flight because they have no QR code to present to the airline.

Tourists who want to visit Boracay must secure a unique QR code by complying with some requirements.

Before this, tourists must present a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours prior to their flight or travel schedule.

But starting Nov 16, fully vaccinated tourists visiting Boracay were no longer required to submit a confirmatory RT-PCR swab test. All they need to secure is a QR code instead of an RT-PCR test and submit their vaccination certificate or VaxCertPH issued through the DICT website.

The QR code serves as a contact tracing tool of the Aklan provincial government for tourists visiting Boracay. The provincial government said it currently processes 1,000 to 1,500 daily applications for the QR code.

But the Aklan provincial government said that travelers who have difficulty getting the code could request for their vaccination card with QR code from their respective home LGUs. They will still need a copy of confirmed booking at accredited establishments.

Bautista said some tourists apparently failed to get a QR code because they failed to update their registration.

“Before, you need to present an RT-PCR test result, which is no longer required for fully-vaccinated tourists. They could have not updated their registration, that’s why the QR Code was not generated,” he said.

Others only sent their requirements hours before their flights. As such, their QR code was not immediately given.

In some social media posts, travelers who missed their flights claimed that they have been sending emails and calling a hotline but got no reply.

Bautista did not categorically answer on such claims but said that the Aklan province would be providing more computers and personnel to address the increasing number of tourists.

As to what happened to the missed flights and bookings, he said they could have rebooked their flight or talked to the hotels for other arrangements.

“But we are working that it won’t happen again,” he said.

On Wednesday, the Department of Tourism asked local government units to simplify their entry requirements. It came following reports that some tourists bound for Boracay have missed their flights for failing to get the needed QR codes on time.