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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1) – Only 26 of the 95 booked tourists arrived on the first day of Boracay’s reopening and this is “expected” in regards to the strict restrictions the province has put in place at the famous destination, a local official said.
Governor Florencio Miraflores told CNN Philippines on Thursday that the low turnout can be attributed to protocols that require tourists to have a negative RT-PCR test result 48 hours before travel, in addition to many other factors.
“We believe this is necessary so that we can protect our people here on the island and Aklan province,” he said.
Miraflores added that people are still afraid to travel due to the pandemic, so the provincial government makes sure to strictly implement the minimum safety and health protocols.
“We expected this because of the pandemic, people are still afraid to travel,” he said. “We in Boracay, here in Aklan, we also want to make sure that when tourists arrive, they feel safe and confident enough.”
Boracay has held a zero COVID-19 record since opening its doors to tourists from Western Visayas on June 16.
Miraflores said the island wants to be ready once it receives an influx of tourists in the coming months, as soon as people feel safe to travel for pleasure.
Tourists must wear face masks unless during swimming sessions. There is also no liquor ban on the island, but the discos and bars will remain closed.
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