READ: List of 68 hotels approved to operate when Boracay reopens

Tourism bosses have released a list of the 68 hotels and guesthouses approved for operation after Boracay reopens to tourism later this month. 

As of today (Friday, October 12) there are a total of 3,519 rooms that will be available to tourists who arrive on the island after October 26.

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Before then, there will be a ‘dry run’ for local tourists from October 15 to 25 featuring 21 hotels and guesthouses. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said: “The reason in conducting the dry run is to test the water treatment capabilities of these hotels.” Those that fail to pass the inspection will be forced to close.

Of the 68 accredited establishments, Fairways & Bluewater Beach Resort has the most number of rooms at 700. Following this is the Paradise Garden Resort with 463.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said more hotels could be added to the list if they comply with government policies. Details of these will be posted on the Department of Tourism’s Facebook page.

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hotels

hotels

The famous white-sand island was closed in April for “environmental rehabilitation” after President Duterte described the resort as a “cesspool”.

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The country’s most popular beach destination, Boracay has been plagued with sewage problems and overcrowding, with numerous establishments violating zoning and environment regulations.

Only 19,000 tourists will be allowed to stay on the island on any given day, and daily arrivals will be limited to 6,405.

There will also be a whole slate of new rules, intended to transform the resort from a “party island” to a “haven of tranquility”. For example, drinking alcohol will be banned along the seafront. A new team of 35 ‘environmental enforcers’ will work with police to ensure the new regulations are obeyed.

Visitors will also have to pre-book their visits on an online database, and may be issued with resort-style bracelets to wear throughout their stay.

UPDATE – Friday, October 19: 115 establishments are now approved for operation.

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