Boracay Island slowly picks up amid easing of restrictions

More tourists are visiting the world-famous Boracay Island as authorities ease COVID-19 restrictions.

The number of tourists visiting the island climbed to more than 1,000 in a day, according to Malay Tourism Office (MTO) head Felix De Los Santos.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo, De Los Santos reported that 12,877 tourists went to Boracay from Oct 1 to 17, 2021. This is a far cry from 1,616 tourists who visited the island on Sept 1 to 19.

De Los Santos noted the spike in the number of tourists, especially during weekends with the majority of the visitors from the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A, and Central Luzon.

Last Oct 16, a total of 1,156 tourists visited the island.

With the gradual revival of the island and the slowdown in COVID-19 cases, the provincial government scrapped the implementation of the liquor ban while seating capacities of some establishments were also increased.

In an advisory, Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores allowed the operation of fitness studios, gyms, and swimming pools up to 50 percent capacity.

Outdoor dining was allowed to operate at 100% capacity while indoor dining is still limited to 50% capacity.

Meanwhile, meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions and social events in eligible venue establishments such as weddings and baptisms will be limited to 30% capacity.

“With the decreasing trend of positive cases in the province of Aklan and to perk the economy, certain business establishments will now be allowed to operate while others may increase their seating capacity,” Miraflores said.

Following the recent resolution issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), tourists of all ages from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), and Alert Level 3 (National Capital Region) may visit Boracay Island subject to the compliance with protocols.

Moreover, individuals below 18 years old and over 65 years old, those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks and pregnant women must be fully vaccinated. (ERS)