Chinese Are Boracay’s Top Visitors

Chinese Are Boracay's Top Visitors

According to data from the Aklan Jetty Port Administration, the resort-island of Boracay received more Chinese tourists than any other nationality.

Niven Maquirang, administrator of the jetty port on mainland Panay, said that Chinese visitors topped Boracay’s arrivals in January and February, with a total turnout of 52,740.

This number reflects a TripAdvisor survey in 2013, which revealed that Chinese tourists consider Boracay their 16th favorite island destination. Arrayed with Boracay in the top 20 list of the best islands for Chinese tourists, among others, were Hong Kong, Jeju Island, Bali, and Paris.

Chinese New Year on Boracay

The Chinese New Year celebration became a driving factor for Chinese topping visitors to the famous island. According to Maquirang, “Chinese now consider this resort island as one of their destinations for the new year celebration.”

Another factor is the presence of regular direct flights from cities in China to Kalibo, Aklan. The Department of Tourism in Western Visayas also promotes the island destination to Chinese citizens.

Following the number of visitors from China were those from South Korea and Taiwan, with respective turnouts of 40,511 and 6,387.

Maquirang said that the Aklan government is expecting more tourists from China in the following months. 

Two cruise ships are scheduled to bring Chinese tourists to Boracay in March. One named MS Costa Atlantica arrived on March 11, and the MS Europa 2 is due to arrive at the island on March 20.