Philippines: Boracay to reopen to foreign tourists October 26 /update 4

Event

Police officials on Boracay have confirmed that the island will reopen to tourists on October 26 as initially scheduled, following six months of rehabilitation projects. New police centers have been built in Yapak, Manoc-Manoc, and Balabag to improve security and additional officers will also be deployed throughout the island.

However, not all hotels may be operational by that time; in late August the Department of Tourism released a list of only 25 hotels and resorts that had met government environmental requirements and were thus permitted to reopen.

Furthermore, local authorities are expected to limit flights to nearby airports in Caticlan and Kalibo and limit the number of tourists allowed to visit the island on a daily basis. Furthermore, work will continue to rehabilitate roads on the island through 2019, though all major roads should be operational by October 26.

Context

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a temporary ban on tourism to the island of Boracay, one of the Philippines' most popular tourist destinations, for a period of six months starting on April 26 to allow for infrastructural improvements. The order was issued after it came to light that many of the establishments on the island do not have proper sewage systems and are emptying their waste directly into the sea.

The 1064-hectare island has a permanent population of 56,000 and in past years attracted some 2 million visitors annually.

Advice

Travelers are advised to contact their airlines and hotels for more information and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.