Boracay tourism remains 1.5M tourists target for 2014

The Aklan provincial government pegged 1.5 million tourists target for 2014 after failing to achieved it this year.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator, said Thursday that for the year 2013 Boracay received 1,367,767 both foreign and local tourists. The jetty port administration currently still tallies either Korean or Chinese tourists ranked first for top 10 highest tourism arrivals for the year.

Despite the shortage of target, Boracay tourism this year is considered highest while 2012 tourism arrivals registered at 1, 206, 252. The Aklan provincial government also earns P 299, 552, 491.71 in terminal fees and local taxes.

"The onslaught of the super typhoon 'Yolanda' is the primary reason why we have failed to achieve the target. Several foreign and local tourists cancelled their room reservations because of this," said Maquirang.

For 2014, the Aklan provincial government are anticipating the arrival of at least 10 international cruise ships which is considered a big boost for tourism in this resort island.

Meanwhile, for this year the Department of Tourism (DOT) will be officially promoting this resort island as ‘haven for cruise ship destination.’

DOT officials said they are expecting at least 10 international cruise ships this year, which is considered an unprecedented feat for Boracay history.

The DOT is also expecting the arrival of some 300 Canadian nationals this January to visit this resort island.