Boracay closure reshapes tourism industry for good

The temporary closure of world renowned Boracay island is changing the future of the country’s tourism landscape, albeit for the better.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Antonio Chiu said, “Let us look at the Boracay incident in a positive perspective.”

Looking at the bigger picture, the seemingly tragic impact of the closure to the thousands of employees and small businesses in the area could be very trivial compared to the long-term effect the rehabilitation will bring forth to the entire tourism industry of the country.

"This is for the future" said Chiu referring to the April 26th official closure of Boracay Island in Aklan to tourists in the next six months.

Chiu hopes that tourism stakeholders all over the country, especially in Cebu, would learn something and protect the environment and natural resources before a Boracay-like incident happens in their respective areas.

This is a strong message ever conveyed by the Philippines that it is serious in implementing sustainable tourism.

Chiu joined other industry leaders like the Network of Independent Travel Agencies (NITAS) chairman Robert Lim Joseph, who recently pronounced the group's support to Duterte's fierce decision to shut down Boracay from tourists to save it from further destruction.

Boracay, touted as one of the best islands in the world, will undergo rehabilitation and cleanup for six months.

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 strongly acted on the worsening environmental issue of the island. Because of this, the Philippines known as one of the destinations that has huge potential for eco-tourism advantage, will carve a good reputation for taking care of its natural resources.

Like Joseph, Chiu also hopes that environmental protection and sustainable tourism policies will have more teeth to help sustain the natural resources and tourism destinations to last for generations.

The closure on Thursday was met with controversy as the shutdown was only confirmed three weeks before April 26.

Reportedly, residents and workers on the island expressed worry where they will source their income over the next months.

The government on the other hand, has since promised to give them assistance, either through monetary compensation or alternative work.

Officials said a P2 billion calamity fund will be released to assist over 30,000 displaced workers. —

Ehda M. Dagooc