Aklan hopes to shore up consumer confidence in Boracay

BORACAY, Aklan - The Aklan Provincial Government is hoping to shore up consumer confidence before opening Boracay to domestic tourists.

In a press conference, authorities revealed the preparations they are taking to this end to assure tourists the island will be COVID-19-free.

Among these are the opening next month of a COVID-19 testing laboratory that would handle RT-PCR tests, requiring hotels to hire health attendants, and ensuring establishments fill out online health forms and follow physical distancing and other health protocols.

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores said he is optimistic tourists will again flock to Boracay, citing a Department of Tourism survey that showed the island remains to be the most preferred tourism destination in the country.

"Ang consumer confidence na kung sila pupunta ng Boracay siguradong wala silang makukuhang COVID. Kapag naisagawa natin eto babalik sa atin ang mga turista," he said.

"Kaya iniingatan natin eto at lahat ng health protocols ay nakalatag, mga documentation less contact, kaya lahat pati pagbayad sa terminal fees ay less contact. Pagdating ng mga turista sa Boracay, may social distancing, less contact, diretso na sa hotel. Magsasabi 'yan siya at magsi-share sa mga kasamahan at sa social media na maganda sa Boracay," the governor said.

Miraflores said they will have a system in Boracay to map out what steps will be taken should a tourist test positive for COVID-19 while on the island.

A tourist who tests positive for the novel coronavirus will immediately be ferried in an ambulance to be brought to a health facility in Kalibo in mainland Aklan. —Jun N. Aguirre/KG, GMA News