‘Boracay closure to affect Phl tourism competitiveness’

The proposed one-year closure of Boracay island could impair the country’s competitiveness as a leisure investment destination, a property analyst said.

Colliers International Philippines research manager Joey Roi Bondoc told The STAR the closure of the island will definitely affect the legitimate businesses that complied with the local government’s policies.

“Over the long run this might impair the Philippines’ competitiveness as a leisure investment destination,” Bondoc said.

In the 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines slipped to 79th rank, five spots lower than its ranking in 2015.

The report said there are several categories where the Philippines needs to improve substantially, such as in safety and security category, where the country ranks 126th.

In an interagency meeting last Thursday, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu recommended the total closure of the entire island of Boracay for one year to pave the way for rehabilitation of the island.

Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) president Marlene Jante said in a statement that shutting down the entire island would send the wrong message.

“Our members, all these years have gone to great lengths to protect their reputation. If Boracay is closed, we are telling the world that all these resorts have constantly violated government laws,” Jante said.

“Although our members there are already bracing for the worst, we do hope the government would consider the number of Filipinos who would have no means of livelihood and the families that depend on them,” she added.

The organization reported that PTAA member resorts in Boracay are compliant with all environmental laws and possess the necessary government permits to operate.