DOT 6: Carrying Capacity is the new Boracay Tourist Arrivals Target for 2018 onward

In 2017, the Department of Tourism Region VI recorded a total of 5, 852, 937 tourist arrivals for the whole Western Visayas, where Boracay Island contributed the highest percentage of 34% or 2, 001, 974 of the total Tourist Arrivals of the region in that year.

Western Visayas’ target for 2018 remains at 5.5 million, where 1,689, 577 is expected to come from the Province of Aklan. However, due to the ongoing rehabilitation activities and DENR’s carrying capacity study which will be out on April 22, the Department of Tourism will adjust and set the new target for Boracay Island according to the result of the study.

Boracay Island has been declared closed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for 6 months effective April 26, 2018. Despite the scheduled closure of Boracay Island, DOT VI Regional Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas is confident that the region will reach the target as other provinces- Mainland Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental actively work hand in hand to develop and promote their respective provinces to attract and draw tourists.