Malay town officials eye temporary travel ban for Chinese tourists

Local officials in Malay, Aklan are considering a temporary travel ban on tourists from mainland China to Boracay Island due to concerns about the novel coronavirus.

Malay town Mayor Floribar Bautista said he would welcome the prohibition of Chinese visitors on the island to protect public health.

The Sangguniang Bayan urged acting mayor Floribar Bautista to implement the ban, emphasizing the need to protect the health and safety of residents and other tourists.

Councilor Maylynn Aguirre-Graf highlighted the potential devastating impact of a single coronavirus case on Boracay's tourism-dependent economy and the island's reputation.

Mayor Bautista will convene the municipal health board on Monday to discuss proper measures to prevent the entry of the virus, considering Graf's statement.

Chinese tourists constituted a significant portion, 50%, of Boracay's foreign visitors in the previous year, indicating a potential economic impact if a ban is imposed.

The mayor has already expressed concern over the possible impact on the town's tourism industry if Boracay would be shut down to Chinese tourists.