Tourism bosses have increased the number of Boracay hotels and guesthouses permitted to operate when the island reopens from 68 to 115.
The Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force has updated its official list of “accredited accommodation establishments” that will be allowed to receive guests from October 26.
One week ago, 68 premises offering a total of 3,519 rooms were given the green light. Now 5,365 rooms in 115 establishments have been cleared by the government.
The list was released on Twitter today (Friday, October 19) by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“All others have not yet been cleared to re-open on 26 October, 2018, and the public is warned accordingly,” the DOT said in statement.
The advisory was signed by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.
With the opening less than a week away, the DOT reiterated that only the listed businesses will be allowed to accept bookings or reservations when visitors return to the island.
Boracay hotels that have yet to secure a permit have been ordered to delete or put on hold all online promotions and other advertising until their compliance with government regulations have been completed.
“The actions of these non-compliant establishments in soliciting and/or accepting booking reservations may be considered deceptive, and may subject them to civil liability/suits,” the DOT warned.
The white-sand island was closed in April to give way for a massive cleanup and rehabilitation of its roads and sewerage system after President Duterte dubbed it a “cesspool”.
When it reopens, visitors will have to abide by a slate of new rules, including a ban on beachside smoking and drinking and a temporary suspension of water sports.
Only 19,000 tourists — who are each presumed to stay for just two nights and three days — will be allowed onto the island on any given day, and daily arrivals will be capped at 6,405.
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