THE Aklan Provincial Government is currently preparing Boracay Island for international tourists as the number of residents who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) increases.
Governor Florencio Miraflroes told the media Friday, October 22, that he is hoping that Aklan will be among the first tourism sites in the country to receive international flights.
Among the foreign flights being considered are those coming from green countries identified by the National Government.
At present, tourists have been advised to fly via the Caticlan Airport as a gateway to Boracay Island. The Kalibo International Airport is meant for returning residents.
"I have recently met with different airline companies. I am telling them that we are now opening our doors for tourists in Boracay. Currently, around 700 tourists arrive in Boracay daily," Miraflores said.
Among the airlines that fly travelers to Boracay from Metro Manila are Philippine Airlines, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific.
Miraflores said as part of the province’s preparation, the vaccination of residents against Covid-19 in Boracay is now in full throttle.
"Beginning today (October 23), we are targeting around 1,500 residents to be vaccinated on a daily basis. After two weeks, we hope that we could achieve our target of inoculating residents. Inoculating our Boracay residents would protect them from the threats of Covid-19 and this will show to the world that the resort island is safe from Covid-19," he added.
The Malay Health Office said in its Facebook page that the inoculation at Citymall is now open for walk-ins.
Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Western Visayas said that it is also preparing to promote Boracay to the world amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Among those new products that we plan to promote for Boracay is food and we also hope to promote this resort island as a biking destination," said Christime Mansinares, DOT-Western Visayas director, during her online presentation with the regional officers of the Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the region.
Early this year, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade visited the Kalibo International Airport to announce that the airport is now prepared to welcome more tourists because of its upgraded and state-of-the-art capabilities. (SunStar Philippines)