DOT releases new list of Boracay hotels open for booking by October

MANILA - The Department of Tourism on Friday released a new list of Boracay establishments where tourists may stay once the island reopens on October 26.

These establishments complied with government requirements, the DOT said.

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The updated list as of October 12 includes 68 establishments and 3,519 rooms.

In August, only 25 establishments and 2,063 rooms were included in DOT's list.

• LIST: Boracay hotels open for booking by October

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said more hotels may be added to the list as long as they have complied with government policies.

She also warned tourists to check DOT's Facebook page to know if the establishment they are booked in is accredited.

The island was closed last April to give way to a massive cleanup and the rehabilitation of its roads and sewerage system after President Rodrigo Duterte called the tourist destination a "cesspool."

One of the country's most popular beach destinations, Boracay has been plagued with sewage problems and overcrowding, with hotels and shops violating zoning and environment regulations.

Only 19,000 tourists will be allowed in Boracay at any given day when the holiday island reopens in late October.

• Gov't to limit Boracay tourists to 19,000 daily

Government will also limit daily tourist entrance to 6,405, who are presumed to stay only for 2 nights and 3 days, Usec. Sherwin Rigor of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier said.

• No more alcohol, wild parties in Boracay: DOT chief

Romulo-Puyat earlier said there would be no Ibiza-like parties on the island, no alcohol and cigarettes in public and no drugs. - with a report from Jeff Canoy, ABS-CBN News