'Cesspool' Boracay off limits to tourists for six months from April 26
The Philippines is closing one of its crown jewels. / AFP
By Jung Min-ho
The Philippines government will shut down the popular tourist destination of Boracay for six months from April 26.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who described the island as a “cesspool,” ordered it to be closed to tourism, his spokesman Harry Roque said Wednesday.
The decision threatens the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the hotel and travel industries there. Boracay's residents largely depend on tourism.
Despite the economic costs, the government has concluded that environmental problems should not be overlooked anymore. The amount of tourist waste is overwhelming and many businesses release wastewater directly into the sea.
The race for tourists' money has led to massive development. Many trees and pristine breaches have given way to hotels and shops.
Tourism has brought an economic boom as well as serious environmental damage.
The government is expected to demolish parts of the tourism infrastructure on Boracay and improve its sewerage system.
The archipelago country of the Philippines boasts well over 7,000 islands. Boracay is among the most popular for tourists. It drew nearly 2 million visitors from around the world in 2017. It is also one of Koreans' favorite spots. According to the Philippines' Malay Municipal Tourism Office, 262,488 foreigners visited the island from January to February. Among them, 88,662 were Koreans.
Residents are concerned that the shutdown will give other tourist destinations, such as Phuket in Thailand and Bali in Indonesia, an advantage.
Following the announcement, Jin Air and Air Seoul ― Korean airlines that operate direct flights between Incheon and Boracay ― said they will suspend flights.
Hana Tour and Mode Tour ― Korea's two largest travel agencies ― said they will refund customers who booked travel to the island.