ILOILO CITY , Philippines — The municipal government of Malay in Aklan is optimistic that the lifting of age restrictions for interzonal travel in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ will boost tourism in Boracay.
Mayor Frolibar Bautista said tourist arrivals in Boracay have increased since June 2.
“We have around 11,000 tourist arrivals. Prior to that, the number of tourists was only by the hundreds,” Bautista said.
Data from the municipal tourism office showed that 9,066 tourists arrived in Boracay through Caticlan from June 1 to 13. Of this number, 890 were children from ages zero to 12 years.
Sixty-four percent or 5,772 came from Metro Manila followed by Rizal, 681; Cavite, 639, and Laguna, 462.
“Hopefully, makabawi ang Boracay kahit papano,” Bautista said.
The Department of Tourism announced on Wednesday that tourists of all ages from the National Capital Region Plus can travel to Boracay and other tourist destinations under MGCQ until June 30.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat made the clarification following reports that some tourism stakeholders may not be aware that restrictions for senior citizens and young travelers have been relaxed since June 1.
Puyat said the easing of travel restrictions is expected to revive the economy.
However, the DOT said tourists from Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal could only undertake point-to-point travel to GCQ and MGCQ areas.
A negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test result is also required for those below 18 years and above 65.