Boracay eyed to become 'sports tourism destination'

Boracay (CNN Philippines, April 30) — The local government of Boracay and the private sector are looking to develop the island into a “sports tourism destination.”

Along with Labor Day activities, several beach sports programs and other initiatives by the local government to ensure hassle-free trips to one of the top tourist destinations of the country were launched on the island over the weekend.

Organizers of the events said Boracay has a huge potential to become a destination for local and foreign beach sports enthusiasts.

"Boracay has always the potential of a venue, we have always been wanting the island as a sports destination and since the government wants to promote sports tourism in the country," said Bong Tirol, one of the beach sports organizers.

The LGU, meanwhile, launched Project Big-A app which can help visitors by providing information about Boracay and the activities available for tourists.

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Sellers of souvenirs on the island noted that while their sales have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels, they have seen their income slowly improve.

Stakeholders in Boracay are calling for the increase in the island's carrying capacity as it would help improve tourism and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, they also recognize that whatever decision that could affect the environment must not lead to the destruction of the island.