Philippine destinations not winning from Boracay’s closure

28 May 2018 2093 | World Travel News

While some South-east Asian beaches are potentially benefitting as alternative destinations with Boracay’s closure, Philippine destinations do not seem to be among the winners as they are either operating at capacity this summer high season or are simply not appealing to travellers.

“I talked to travel agents and they said tourists go to Vietnam instead – particularly Phu Quoc island and Danang,” said Christine Urbanozo-Ibarreta, president of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA).

While seen as an alternative, El Nido does not have the capacity to absorb Boracay volume in the summer peak season

Boris Travel general manager Irene Maliwanag confirmed that there were many foregone opportunities for the Philippines since Boracay was closed for rehabilitation a month ago, especially for new bookings that were easy to cancel in favour of other countries.

While longhaul tourists from the US, Canada and Europe who have already booked Boracay months ahead and therefore have no choice but to stick to the Philippines, only a few have emerged as preferred destinations in lieu of Boracay.