Boracay tourist arrivals plummet amid COVID-19 fears

Boracay Island has seen a significant drop in tourist arrivals, with estimates ranging from 40 percent in February 2020 to an 80 percent plunge in early March 2020, attributed to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The number of tourists decreased from 172,695 in January to 103,834 in February, with a further drop to around 1,000 visitors daily in early March, compared to 5,600 the previous year.

While foreign arrivals, particularly from China, saw the largest decrease, Filipino tourist numbers had a slight increase in February.

The business sector in Boracay is severely affected, with tourism establishments reporting occupancy rates as low as 20 to 30 percent.

In response, accommodation establishments have reduced rates by up to 50 percent and introduced promotions, while the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay supports the #besttimenow online marketing campaign for a unified promotional strategy.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is working on improving the island's destinations and services and is providing enhanced communication and medical devices in collaboration with other foundations.

The local government of Malay town in Aklan assures that preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 are in place.