Boracay: From party place to sustainable tourist spot

MANILA, Philippines — Boracay island may no longer be a party destination once it is reopened as it may be promoted as a sustainable tourism spot, the chief of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.

In a television interview yesterday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Boracay Interagency Task Force will still discuss guidelines on the soft opening of Boracay on Oct. 26.

“But definitely, it won’t be like a really party place anymore. We want it to be as it is, more peaceful. We want to promote sustainable tourism,” Puyat said.

The interagency task force is composed of the DOT, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Boracay was known as a popular party destination, with annual events such as LaBoracay held every May 1.

This year’s edition of the event was cancelled as President Duterte earlier ordered the closure of the island on April 26 for its rehabilitation.

In line with promoting sustainable tourism in the island, Puyat said the Boracay task force is also looking at setting a carrying capacity for the island to limit the number of tourists.

The tourism secretary said around 3,000 to 5,000 hotel rooms will be opened during the soft opening of the island as these are the only establishments that are 100 percent compliant with the requirements of the DOT, DENR and DILG.

Asked if the government is looking to limit the construction of new resorts in Boracay, Puyat said this is something officials will further discuss. – With Ghio Ong

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