A report from the Aklan provincial government showed that a total of 628,243 foreign and domestic tourists arrived in the island from January to August, this year. This is 12% higher compared to the same period last year at 561,405 tourists.
Governor Carlito Marquez said the visitors generated some P13.2 billion worth of tourism receipts which include expenses on food, beverages, leisure activities and souvenirs.
This month, a total of 64,070 tourists enjoyed Boracay, also higher compared to 58, 202 tourists in August 2010.
Marquez said there are no more “low” or “off peak” seasons in island-resort, especially during the rainy season.
“Even if it is raining, visitors still flock to the island,” Marquez said.
The Aklan provincial government is eyeing to reach the 1 million tourist arrival mark in Boracay next year.
Last year, an estimated 780,000 visitors arrived in the island from January to December 2010, generating some P14.333 billion in tourism receipts.
Visitor arrivals in 2010 registered a 20.03% growth compared to the previous year’s 650,000 which generated a total of P12 billion in overall receipts.
Last month, an influential American travel magazine ranked Boracay as the fourth best island in the world.
Boracay received a score of 89.93 in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2011, which was the cover story of the magazine’s August issue. This is the first time that Boracay was recognized by the magazine.
A survey conducted by Travel + Leisure evaluated the islands according to their natural attractions, activities, sights, restaurants and food, people, and value for money. The survey was conducted among the magazine’s readers from December 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.
Also, Boracay has been voted by users of travel website TripAdvisor as one of the world’s top beach destinations this year.
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