ILOILO CITY — The Department of Tourism in Western Visayas (DOT-6) has suspended the accreditation of new applicants and renewal applications of hotels, restaurants and other business establishments in Boracay Island while there is an ongoing environmental crackdown.
“DOT-6 is suspending its accreditation campaign while cleansing efforts by the Environment Task Force led by DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) are ongoing,” said DOT-6 (Western Visayas) regional director Helen Catalbas in a media interview Tuesday.
“Only environmental laws compliant DOT-accredited tourism establishments as certified by DENR shall be recommended for participation in national or international travel fairs, missions or road shows sponsored by DOT and Tourism Promotions Board,” she added.
But amid the ongoing cleansing, tourist arrivals continue spike in Boracay Island.
Based on the comparative statistics of DOT-6, there were 48,904 foreign and domestic tourists who visited the island resort from February 12-18, higher by 15 percent compared to the 42,473 visitors recorded in the same period of 2017.
“It is business as usual in Boracay Island as tourist traffic remains relatively similar or heavier,” said Catalbas.
Meanwhile, out of the 170 accommodation establishments surveyed by the department, only 12 hotels and resorts reported cancellations from their clients.
The department also noted that there has been no reported cancellation of flights at Kalibo and Caticlan airports, even on the trips of roll-on roll-off vessels.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier has threatened to close down Boracay if environmental problems in the top beach destination would remain unsolved.
He has given DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu only six months to solve environmental problems. (PNA)
