Take aways from Boracay closure

After a six-month closure, the famous island of Boracay has reopened its doors to the public. It was reported by SunStar Philippines that President Rodrigo R. Duterte was very pleased with the rehabilitation of the island.

There are three things that we can learn from the recent closure of Boracay that other tourism sites should take note of.

1. We can never sacrifice the environment for money

Borcay island was a sad case of neglect from not only the government but also its visitors and residents. Everyone saw the potential to make money in the island because of it being a premier tourist destination. Business establishments continued to pop up but for a long time they forgot about the environment.

Eventually, the once beautiful Boracay island is plagued with pollution issues leading to its closure early this year.

They were so eager to milk money from Boracay that they failed to think about its status. Did it ever come to their minds that once Borcay’s charm is gone and degraded, they will not able to benefit from it anymore? If it was too late, it will be difficult to bring Boracay to where it was before?

2. It is everyone’s part to care for our tourist site Many of our tourist sites in the country are eco-tourism sites. We take pride in these sites as they provide a different experience to many tourists coming to the country. However, it is also important that these sites are well taken care of as they are very much vulnerable.

The national government and local government units must have the political will to implement policies to take care of their tourist sites and ensure that these sites can still be enjoyed and appreciated in the future. The government must also not compromise the environment by allowing some tourism investors bypass certain laws.

The residents in the area where these sites are should be taught to value their tourist sites. This will empower them to take care of it too.

Tourists should be more responsible visitors of these sites. They should respect and follow the rules set by those operating the sites as these will not only protect them but the site too.

“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot prints, kill nothing but time.” A mountaineer’s creed that can also be followed by tourists.

Tourism investors must also be sensitive to the environment by complying with environmental laws and not abusing the environment.

3. Tourism has to change

In a way, tourism has to change. Tourism should not only be about bringing in more tourists to one area. Tourism now should also be about caring for the tourist site and the environment, especially the vulnerable eco-tourism sites.

The sustainability of our tourist sites falls on our hands. If we do nothing about it, then we can say good bye to our beautiful corals, lush forests, and breathtaking beaches.