Boracay closure spells long-term tourism benefits

CEBU, Philippines — The government's firm stance on closing the gates of Boracay to tourists could actually bring in long-term benefits to the country’s overall tourism reputation, a tourism advocate said.

Network of Independent Travel Agencies (NITAS) chairman Robert Lim Joseph lauded President Rodrigo Duterte's firm decision to temporarily shut down Boracay island saying such action sends a positive signal to the world that the Philippines is serious in fighting for sustainable tourism.

Joseph, who also owns a hotel in Boracay, said that the sewerage problem in Boracay has been there for years and the past government leaders played blind on the issue, and it is only the Duterte administration that showed the will to address the worsening environmental issue.

With such move, the Philippines being known as one of the destinations that has huge eco-tourism advantage, will carve a good reputation for taking care of its natural resources.

Meanwhile, hotels and resorts around the country are now independently putting investments on installations of proper sewerage facilities, as well as proper disposal and treatment of solid wastes.

The "Boracay lesson" could serve as a mirror to all hotel and resort operators around the Philippines, that businesses should make environmental responsibilities as priority.

Boracay, a 1,032 hectares resort island in the Philippines and a major tourist destination in the country, is set to be closed to tourists for six months starting April 26, 2018.

Data show around 986,000 foreign tourists visited the world renowned Island in the Philippines, 25 percent of the total number of tourist arrivals at 6.6 million.

In a report, tourism chief Wanda Teo mentioned Cebu and other islands in the Philippines as alternative destinations while Boracay is on rehab.

For Joseph, the Boracay closure is good for the Philippine tourism, and it should not be taken as a tourism setback. (FREEMAN)