The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed concern over the government's plan to close the shores of Boracay for one full year.
While the group said it fully supports the government’s efforts and political will to clean-up all major tourism destinations in the country such as Boracay, it is apprehensive that the move might negatively impact on Philippine economy.
Chamber director for Tourism Samie Lim said that “there should not be a complete shutdown of the island,” instead close one station at a time for rehabilitation.
“Phasing is important so we are able to protect the interest of all parties concerned, especially the local residents whose income are dependent on Boracay’s economic activity,” he said.
In 2017, the tourism industry was the third biggest contributor to the country’s gross domestic product and 20 percent of the total income generated by the industry comes from Boracay.
According to the Tourism department, over two-million local and international tourists visited Boracay in 2017, accounting for an increase in island arrival of 16 percent from 2016.
It also generated a total of 17,737 direct tourism jobs accounting to 66 percent of the entire Western Visayas region.
Also at risk is the P56 billion worth of tourist spending that will be lost once the imminent rehabilitation of the island starts.
Moreover, it will also have on impact on the whole Philippine tourism product offering as the island is the most prominent beach and leisure destination that is included in the majority of tour packages sold overseas.
The Chamber believed that the situation in Boracay is a wake-up call for the government and private sector on the need to work together to ensure that Philippine islands and tourist destinations are protected and sustained through comprehensive master planning that enables the right balance between economic growth and environmental preservation.
“PCCI is willing to spearhead and facilitate a dialogue between the local government of Malay, national government agencies, private sector and civil to support our agenda for the inclusive business,” said Chamber president Ma. Alegria Sibal-Limjoco
