Palawan, Boracay tourism industry back in business, says Roxas

Boracay. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Top tourist spots Palawan and Boracay are back in business weeks after Supertyphoon Yolanda flattened many parts of central Philippines, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said Tuesday.

“I am glad that tourism industry has recovered quickly. Definitely, the tourism industry in Palawan and Boracay is back in business,” Roxas said in a statement.

Roxas, also the co-chair of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, issued the statement after his team met with local authorities in Palawan and Aklan “to check ongoing relief operations and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by Yolanda.”

With Roxas were Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

During their meeting with the local officials, Roxas, Soliman and Gazmin extended the administration’s commitment to support local tourism industry players and stakeholders in Palawan and Boracay.

“The leading resort hotspots in the country have largely escaped the brunt of Yolanda. We have met with tourism stakeholders, and concerned government officials in Palawan and Boracay who have informed us that they are back in business despite some minor hitches,” he said.

As the travel season nears, Roxas said hotel operators in Boracay and Palawan should hasten the repairs of damaged structures to entice both local and foreign tourists.

Boracay and Palawan are two of the world’s best tourist destinations for their fine beaches.

Related stories

Another typhoon victim: ‘Little Boracay’

‘Yolanda’ passes Palawan, goes to West PH Sea