Boracay, an island off the coast of the Philippines, was once a pristine paradise and a top tourist destination. It was known for its white-sand beaches, azure waters and vibrant nightlife.
But after years of neglect and mismanagement, it has become a shadow of its former self.
Boracay’s troubles started in the mid-2000s when the number of visitors began to skyrocket. In response to this influx, authorities allowed the construction of new hotels and resorts without any proper planning or enforcement of environmental regulations. This led to severe overcrowding and pollution on the island, as well as damage to its fragile ecosystem.
The lack of enforcement of laws also allowed illegal businesses such as gambling dens and prostitution rings to thrive on the island. These activities were tolerated by some local officials who were paid off by business owners.
The island’s infrastructure couldn’t keep up with the influx of tourists either. Sewage treatment plants were inadequate or nonexistent, leading to untreated sewage being discharged into the sea. The water quality suffered as a result and swimming became increasingly hazardous.
In 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte declared Boracay a “cesspool” and ordered it closed for six months for clean-up operations. During this time all businesses were shuttered, including hotels and restaurants. The closure was welcomed by environmentalists who had long been calling for action against Boracay’s environmental degradation.
After reopening in late 2018, Boracay has faced strict regulations including curfews, bans on single-use plastics and limits on building height in order to protect its fragile ecosystem. These measures have had some success in improving conditions on the island but they have also led to an exodus of tourists.
Today Boracay is no longer considered a top tourist destination but rather a cautionary tale about over-tourism and mismanagement that could have been avoided if proper planning had been implemented earlier.
Conclusion: Boracay failed as a top tourist destination due to overcrowding, environmental degradation caused by neglect and mismanagement, illegal activities that were tolerated by local officials, inadequate infrastructure, and poor water quality caused by sewage discharge into the sea. It is now seen as an example of what can happen when these issues are left unchecked.