DoT assures strict implementation of ban on cruise ships in Boracay
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2019 11:22:00 +0000
The Department of Tourism (DoT) has assured it is strictly implementing its embargo on cruise ships in Boracay Island to control the island’s daily carrying capacity amid an expected surge in tourist arrivals this Lenten season and summer break.
This came after videos and photos of cruise ships docking in Boracay Island surfaced on social media. The Tourism department, however, said these materials were old and were merely “presented [as] a new incident.
“We remind the public to be more mindful in posting or sharing old videos and pictures of cruise ships in Boracay Island as this may cause unnecessary alarm. We assur[e] the public that there was no entry of cruise ships to Boracay Island since the start of the close out dates,” the DoT said in a statement.
The close out dates for cruise ships for the Lenten season and summer break started last April 16, with Boracay’s daily capacity set to 19,215, including 6,405 tourist arrivals per day.
“Rest assured, the BIATF (Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force) will continue to strictly enforce set guidelines and ordinances, especially during the Holy Week,” it added.
The other close out dates for cruise ships have been set this year on All Saints and All Souls Day; and the conduct of the Southeast Asian Games as well as during the Christmas Season.
Close out dates will begin from October 26 to November 8 and November 23 to Jan. 5, 2020.
BIATF said the close out dates were agreed upon last December 28 between the Philippine Port Authority, Aklan Port, Tourism Congress of the Philippines, Boracay Foundation and all cruise lines and shore excursion companies operating in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, DoT Region 6 Director Helen Catalbas said they have placed several assistance and information desks in airports, entry points of cities and towns in Western Visayas.
“DoT 6 is expecting the influx of tourists during the Lenten Season that is the reason why we are also in full force to provide assistance. The safety of tourists, both local and foreign, is the priority of the DoT Region 6 because we want them to have a smooth and enjoyable travel experience here in Western Visayas,” Catalbas said. NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS
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