MANILA, Philippines— After the six-month closure of the island, world-famous tourist destination Boracay is ready to open its doors to local tourists this week.
The inter-agency task force led by the Environment department said the dry run of the partial opening of Boracay is slated from October 15 to 25.
For the dry-run period, only Filipino tourists would be allowed entry to Boracay, with locals as priority.
The island will officially reopen to both domestic and foreign tourists on October 26.
Environment chief Roy Cimatu said the dry-run period will allow them to assess what needs to be done before the "soft opening" on October 26.
The island has been closed to tourists since April 26 to pave way for its environmental rehabilitation after President Rodrigo Duterte cited that it had become a “cesspool.”
The DENR established pontoons at the Station 2 and 3 of the islands for local tourists while workers will be allowed to enter Boracay via Tambisaan port.
The Department of Tourism also named 68 establishments that have complied with the requirements of the DENR and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
READ: 68 Boracay hotels get green light for reopening
“All Boracay island accommodation establishments that are not compliant with DILG and DENR requirements and are not yet accredited with the DOT are hereby strongly advised to cease and desist from making room bookings or sale for occupancy starring October 26 until such time that all requirements for opening their establishments are in order,” the DOT said.
DOT added that all online promotions and other related collaterals should be deleted or put on hold until their full compliance.
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