By Jennifer P. Rendon
Boracay Island remains one of the country’s premier tourist destinations, with holiday tourist arrivals surging after a brief slump.
Malay, Aklan Mayor Frolibar Bautista reported that tourist arrivals reached approximately 25,000 from Dec. 23 to 25. By 7 p.m. on Dec. 26, another 10,000 tourists had entered the island.
Before the holidays, daily arrivals were recorded at 5,000 to 6,000.
Data from the Malay Municipal Tourism Office showed 79,357 arrivals on the island from Dec. 1 to 15, comprising 63,240 domestic tourists, 15,182 foreign visitors, and 935 overseas Filipinos and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
In November, Boracay registered 162,451 tourists, including 130,405 domestic travelers, 30,660 foreign visitors, and 1,386 OFWs or overseas Filipinos.
Bautista emphasized that domestic tourists remain the foundation of Boracay’s tourism.
However, he noted a significant rise in European tourists following Boracay’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024 from Nov. 5 to 7.
“We really felt the impact of participating in the WTM. After that, European tourist arrivals increased significantly,” Bautista said.
The event, held at the ExCeL Convention Centre in London, showcased the Philippines’ stunning destinations, cultural heritage, and diverse tourism offerings. Bautista believes this success signals the need for more aggressive international marketing of Boracay.
Previously, Boracay relied heavily on Chinese and Korean tourists. However, Bautista acknowledged that tensions in the West Philippine Sea and economic challenges in China have contributed to a decline in Chinese group tours.
With the current surge, Bautista aims to sustain the momentum by ensuring tourists feel safe and secure.
“What’s important is that tourists have confidence in their safety and security. We are working hard to maintain that,” he said.
To attract more visitors, the local government has prepared various activities, including beach parties and water sports, to enhance the Boracay experience.
