Aklan seeks P2B for Boracay cruise port to revive foreign tourist arrivals

The Aklan provincial government is seeking a P2 billion allocation from the national government to fund a new cruise ship port in Boracay, aimed at addressing a recent decline in foreign tourist arrivals to the island.

Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores said cruise tourism has become a growing focus in the province, with 19 cruise ships docking off Boracay in 2024. However, he noted that the lack of proper port infrastructure has limited the positive impact of these visits.

Currently, cruise ships anchor offshore and use tender boats to bring passengers to the island. According to Miraflores, this setup discourages elderly tourists and increases the likelihood of cancellations due to rough sea conditions.

“Three cruise ships skipped the island last year due to bad weather. With a proper docking facility, that would not have happened,” he said.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has already set aside P800 million this year for the initial construction of the project, with early works expected to begin by the fourth quarter. The total cost of the project is estimated at P2 billion.

Plans for the new port include a 300-meter structure capable of accommodating two cruise ships simultaneously, which is expected to improve accessibility and significantly boost international arrivals.

In 2024, Boracay recorded 2.07 million visitors, short of the 2.3 million target and slightly down from 2.12 million in 2023. Foreign arrivals dropped to about 412,000 in 2024 from 422,000 the year before.

As part of broader efforts to support the island’s long-term development, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) will fund a P50-million two-year study with the University of the Philippines Visayas to evaluate tourism potential across Boracay’s wetlands, coastline, and nearby marine areas.

Miraflores added that the local government is also exploring new tourism segments, such as medical tourism, to diversify the island’s appeal.

A memorandum of agreement for the TIEZA-UPV study is expected to be signed next month.