Boracay to Reopen for Tourists Starting October 1
After months of lockdown and quarantine measures, Boracay Island will be reopening to accept tourists and travelers starting October 1.
According to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the reopening of Boracay signals “a gathering momentum for domestic tourism all over the country”—a move to jumpstart the Philippines’ domestic tourism since the pandemic.
She also added that the resumption of tourism businesses on the island would still follow several measures in place.
In a special meeting held with Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores last September 22, the Boracay Interagency Task Force (BITF) approved the reopening of Boracay to travelers from areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ). This is in addition to tourists coming from Western Visayas who have been permitted to enter the island since June 16.
Further, the BITF together with the local government units of the Province of Aklan and Municipality of Malay agreed to prioritize the health and safety of tourists as they carefully welcome more guests to the island.
Travelers from GCQ and modified GCQ areas will be required to undergo a “test before travel” regulation that includes a negative RT-PCR result 48 to 72 hours prior to departure. Visitors will also be advised to go on a strict quarantine immediately after the test and until the time of departure to the island.
Airlines were also advised to use the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Municipality of Malay as the only airport of entry to the island. Age restriction, meanwhile, was relaxed allowing travelers below 21 and above 60 years old with no comorbidity to enter the island.
There are 199 Boracay hotels and resorts accredited by the DOT with certificates of authority to operate.
The Lind Boracay
A COVID-19 laboratory is also operational at Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan as a part of the network of facilities and services needed in a safe environment for host communities, business stakeholders, and tourists.
Source: Philippine News Agency
