Is Boracay on the Decline?

March 9, 2025

Boracay continues to shine as one of the world’s top beach destinations, with new developments shaping its tourism landscape. From record-breaking cultural events to technological advancements, here’s what’s new on the island.

Ati-Atihan Festival Hits Record Attendance

The 2024 Ati-Atihan Festival saw an all-time high of 36,741 attendees, highlighting a growing global appreciation for the Ati indigenous culture. Moving forward, local officials are looking to elevate the festival into a major tourism draw in 2025.

Boracay’s Tourism Numbers for 2024

While Boracay remains a top destination, total tourist arrivals slightly dipped by 2% compared to 2023.

• Total visitors: 2,077,977 (down from 2,120,419 in 2023)

• Domestic tourists: 1,641,078 (a 1.08% decrease from 1,659,022 in 2023)

• International tourists: 412,803 (a 2.22% drop from 422,201 in 2023)

Among foreign visitors, South Korea remained the largest market, with 149,827 tourists, followed by China (45,038) and the USA (42,532). These statistics indicate that while Boracay remains popular, efforts are needed to boost international arrivals.

Boracay Ports to Implement Automated Ticketing System

To enhance the travel experience, Boracay is rolling out a unified automated ticketing system at its ports. This initiative, in partnership with Topline Hi-Tech and the Aklan provincial government, aims to streamline ticket purchases, making travel smoother and reducing long queues.

Stakeholders Push for Tourism Improvements

Six major Boracay stakeholder associations have proposed key improvements to boost tourism and address infrastructure issues:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Renovations for Caticlan Jetty Port and new facilities for persons with disabilities to improve accessibility.

• Simplified Business Regulations: A more efficient permit process to attract new tourism-related businesses.

• Revamped Marketing Strategies: Rebranding Boracay as a fun, relaxing, and welcoming destination with more events and activities to increase tourist engagement.

These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to revitalizing Boracay’s tourism industry, ensuring a world-class experience for visitors.

Final Thoughts

Boracay is constantly evolving, balancing cultural preservation, tourism growth, and technological advancements. With exciting developments on the horizon, the island remains a must-visit paradise for travelers.

For more updates on Boracay, stay tuned to www.boracayprime.com.