DOT upbeat on Boracay reopening

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said the reopening of world-famous Boracay Island in October is expected to further fuel the increase in foreign tourist arrivals.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat pointed out that despite the six-month shutdown of Boracay, the Philippines' visitor arrivals increase by 9.74 percent in the first seven months of 2018, compared to the same period last year.

She added that the consolidated efforts of the stakeholders and the government played a key role in the satisfactory performance of the country's tourism industry.

"With the soft opening of Boracay on October 26, we expect that the tourist arrival will further increase in the coming months," said Puyat at the Philippine Travel Exchange last Wednesday.

Puyat stressed that even after Boracay's soft opening, the government will monitor and make sure that all stakeholders commit to preserving the beauty and environment of the world-famous beach destination.

"This is to ensure that all tourism establishments and service providers are compliant with the standards set by the government and that all necessary infrastructure and facilities are in place for its full operation," said Puyat.

She noted that the first phase of the rehabilitation would be completed in time for the soft opening.

The second phase of the rehabilitation will end by April next year, while the last phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.