Boracay slowly opens to domestic tourists
MANILA – The famed Boracay in Central Philippines will be opened to domestic tourists on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 after the government declared stringent measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 last March 16.
In a virtual press briefing from Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said it has been agreed domestic tourists from Western Visayas will be accommodated. However, senior citizens and those below 21 years of age will still be banned in accordance with health and safety regulations.
Beach activities will be allowed provided physical distancing is observed. The usual “banana boat ride” will not be permitted.
“Hotels and other tourist-oriented establishments vowed to follow health standards,” Secretary Puyat said.
Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said Boracay has long prepared for the expected tourist arrivals. However, the local inter-agency task force led by Governor Miraflores opted to open the tourist island slowly to prevent a possible influx of people out to experience the ambiance of the world-famous beaches.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año said there have been zero cases of COVID-19 in Aklan and local government units have been complying with health and safety standards prescribed by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
He said while there have been some COVID-19 cases reported in Iloilo but the situation remains manageable. (Melo M. Acuña)
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año at their press briefing from Paradise Resort Hotel In Boracay. (Screen grab photos by Melo M. Acuña)
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