File photo from Agence France-Presse
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Boracay Island is gearing up for a significant rise in cruise ship arrivals with 17 vessels scheduled to dock in 2025.
The number is nearly double the nine visits recorded last year.
Mayor Frolibar Bautista of Malay town, Aklan said Boracay continues to gather visitors with its pristine beaches and vibrant offerings, solidifying its status as a top choice for global tourism.
The local government, in collaboration with the Aklan provincial administration, has intensified efforts to enhance the island’s facilities.
Improvements include upgrading port amenities, streamlining tourist services, and moving the cruise ship anchor point to less than one kilometer from the jetty port to ease access for passengers.
“We aim to provide a world-class experience. Even though their stay is brief, our goal is to encourage them to return with their families and friends,” Bautista said in a statement.
To ensure visitor safety, the local government recently hosted the “Collaborative Approach: Boracay Cruise Ship Safety and Emergency Response Seminar.”
Participants included members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, emergency responders, and other key stakeholders.
The seminar covered essential topics like water security guidelines, emergency protocols, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of everyone visiting our world-famous island, especially cruise ship passengers,” Bautista said.
The influx of cruise ships is expected to generate significant economic benefits for local businesses and communities.
Cultural events have been organized to showcase Boracay’s rich heritage and natural attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
Officials remain optimistic about the tourism surge, viewing it as a key driver for sustaining Boracay’s reputation as a tropical paradise.
In 2022, the Department of Tourism (DOT) unveiled three new “tourism circuits” that they intend to promote—something they described as “deviant” from the usual beach and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibits (Mice) that they’ve promoted in previous years.
The new “tourism circuits” on the island include the Boracay biking tour which is divided into sightseeing and endurance clusters targeted for families and adventure lovers.