The tourist arrivals in the internationally renown Boracay island has increased despite the global economic crisis and the reported cases of A(H1N1) flu.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Dir. Edwin Trompeta said that the tourism industry in Boracay and in the entire Western Visayas has remained to be strong despite the problems.
No Crisis in Paradise Island
Recent report by the DOT Regional Office VI showed that from January to May 2009, a total of 337,666 tourist arrivals in the paradise-island or 5.16 percent higher than the 321,094 during the same period in 2008.
Of the these arrivals, Korea ranked first with 30,369. Korea has been consistent in topping the list because of the number of Korean students who are here to study and who take time out to visit Boracay island in Aklan province, together with their vacationing parents.
Second is China with 11,084 tourists. The direct flight from China to Kalibo has contributed much to the high number of Chinese tourists.
Tourists from Taiwan also ranked third with 7,014; United States of America, 4th with 6,155; Hong Kong, 5th with 3,201; United Kingdom, 6th, 2,835; Australia, 7th with 2,669; Germany, 8th with 2,660; Japan, 9th with 2,357; and Canada, 10th with 2,264.
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This is not true. We live on Boracay and there are layoffs all over. Smaller hotels shutting down permanently, not just for the low season. Watersports shops closing down. Beachfront bars selling off everything. Boats for sale. Yes its true that construction is still going strong but they cant make income yet anyway so the current lack of tourists wouldnt affect them anyway.
If it was just marketing saying these things, that would be one thing. But when government officials say it, it becomes an outright falsification by the government. Business is way down all over, not for low season but because no body’s here.
Unfortunately they wont tell anyone the extent of H1N1 on the island although we know its been here.
Hello,
I read article above its nice topic. Great job you are doing.
Regards,
johnsmith