Boracay tourist arrivals still up
The tourist arrivals in the internationally renown Boracay Island has increased despite the global economic crisis and the reported cases of A(H1N1) flu.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said that the tourism industry in Boracay and in the entire Western Visayas has remained to be strong despite the problems.
Recent report by the DOT Regional Office VI showed that from January to May 2009, a total of 337,666 tourist arrivals in the paradise-island or 5.16 percent higher than the 321,094 during the same period in 2008.
Of the these arrivals, Korea ranked first with 30,369. Korea has been consistent in topping the list because of the number of Korean students who are here to study and who take time out to visit Boracay island in Aklan province, together with their vacationing parents.
Second is China with 11,084 tourists. The direct flight from China to Kalibo has contributed much to the high number of Chinese tourists.
Tourists from Taiwan also ranked third with 7,014; United States of America, 4th with 6,155; Hong Kong, 5th with 3,201; United Kingdom, 6th, 2,835; Australia, 7th with 2,669; Germany, 8th with 2,660; Japan, 9th with 2,357; and Canada, 10th with 2,264. (PNA)