boracay still on top

DOT: Boracay still Philippines’ No. 1

Boracay Island is unbeatable still.
This was the assessment of Department of Tourism (DOT-6) regional director on the world-famous island resort of Boracay as the country’s top tourists’ magnet.
The DOT-6 chief was asked to compare Boracay with the attractions of Bohol and Cebu as the government is sporting Visayas region as the tourism hub in the country.
“The number of rooms and investments could speak well for Boracay as tourism haven,” stressed Trompeta.
He was referring to the high-end luxury hotels like the newly-opened Shangrila and Boracay Discovery Shore.
These world-class hotel facilities have accommodation rates of hundreds of dollars.
Trompeta boasts of 3,600 hotel rooms, 65 flights daily and eight roll-on roll-off (RoRo) transport services bound for Boracay with point of entries from Kalibo, Roxas and Iloilo.
Trompeta said that Boracay’s tourism peaks when the Holy Week caps April 6-7 while daily incoming flights could reach to 75.
He added that the newly-introduced three international direct flights to Kalibo Airport would translate to an additional of 350 passengers taking land and boat travels to Boracay weekly compared to the usual traffic.
“There are so many things happening there with bands, concerts and bars full-packed. Holy Week is something everybody is anticipating in the island. It will really going to be crowded and noisy,” Trompeta said noting he visited Boracay before Holy Week.
Trompeta also attributed the 24/7 security operations implemented by police and other law enforcers in Boracay for maintaining peace and order situation in the island which is a vital factor for tourism industry.
Trompeta said they are expecting around 15,000 to 18,000 tourists to swarm Boracay this Holy Week.
He added that Boracay’s Holy Week rush even reached to 29,000 visitors several years ago.
Domestic tourists account for 80 percent and foreign guests for 20 percent of the arrivals during the Lenten season.
Boracay’s peak season which starts in September accommodate 70 percent domestic visitors and 30 percent of foreign travelers.