While overall tourist visits to Boracay Island have declined slightly in the first three quarters of 2024, a remarkable trend is emerging: Filipino travelers are proving to be the island’s unwavering champion.
Data from the Malay Municipal Tourism Office reveals that domestic tourists accounted for a whopping 79% of total arrivals from January to September 2024. This strong reliance on the local market underscores the resilience of Boracay’s tourism sector, even as international arrivals face headwinds.
Despite a 4.70% dip in overall tourist visits compared to the same period last year, Boracay welcomed 1,240,939 domestic tourists in the first nine months of 2024. While this represents a modest decline of 4.30% from the previous year, it highlights the continued popularity of Boracay among Filipinos.
The decline in overall visitor numbers can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including the ongoing maritime dispute with China, which has significantly impacted arrivals from that market. Passenger traffic on direct flights from South Korea and Taiwan to Kalibo International Airport has also suffered a notable drop.
However, despite these challenges, Boracay’s domestic tourism sector remains a beacon of strength. Filipino travelers, drawn to the island’s pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene, continue to fuel the island’s tourism engine.
Recognizing the need to address the challenges impacting international tourism, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has highlighted the importance of diversifying offerings and improving infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience.
“We recognize that there is a need to improve the facilities as far as air and sea travel is concerned. Chief of which, is the improvement of the port before you go to Boracay. Which is why we are eager to work with the Provincial Government as well as the Municipal Government to introduce these necessary interventions. Please take note that these are not only our observations, but the observations of our foreign stakeholders. They have noticed it, and so we must address it at the soonest possible time,” Secretary Frasco emphasized.
During her listening tours with tourism stakeholders in the Philippines and abroad, the toursim secretary identified areas for improvement, including availability of online payment options, lack of signages, long waiting times, crowded ticket counters and boarding procedures especially during peak season, among others.
The tourism chief also expressed commitment to collaborate with the local government units and stakeholders in maximizing tourism potenial in Boracay.
“I’m hopeful that with the leadership of your Governor, your Mayor, and with a strong support of your stakeholders, we can work together to introduce these necessary interventions right away. We’re here to help and we hope that we can work with you to do just that. As we move forward, the path to success, of course requires collaboration, and so, I call upon every stakeholder from the national and local government units to our private sector partners to join us, for together, we will continue to enhance our tourism infrastructure and services, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all visitors,” Secretary Frasco said.
The continued strength of domestic tourism in Boracay is a testament to the growing trend of Filipinos exploring their own country. This positive trend not only benefits Boracay but also boosts tourism across the Philippines, fostering a vibrant domestic travel market
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