Boracay tourists stranded amid COVID-19 threat

Local and foreign tourists in Boracay Island are stranded due to travel restrictions implemented because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista stated that around 500 tourists are stuck in their hotels and other accommodation establishments.

While new visitors are prohibited, the stranded tourists, mostly foreigners, are facing difficulties in returning to their home destinations.

Mayor Bautista has been assured by Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. that the Department of Tourism is arranging documentation for the tourists to leave Aklan.

The Malay local government and the provincial government of Aklan will extend support, including providing food, to the tourists who have run out of money.

Mayor Bautista has ordered tourist establishments not to neglect the stranded island visitors.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Boracay also confirmed that the tourism department is managing the situation.