More details are coming from the Philippine media regarding what tourists can expect when the resort island of Boracay reopens to visitors at the end of the month. Among the new policies to help reduce the environmental impact on the island include a quota on the number of visitor arrivals and strict enforcement of Malay’s local anti-littering ordinances.

In a bid to transform the island from a “party island” to a “tranquil haven,” visitors to Boracay will see new regulations as efforts to clean up the island are ongoing. Only 19,000 tourists will be allowed to stay on the island per day when it opens up on October 26, and daily arrivals will also be limited to around 6,405.

It has also been announced that 68 hotels and guest houses have meet government requirements and can welcome guests staying on the island.

In an effort to track the number of people on the island, a new plan by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) could require travelers with plans to head to Boracay to register on an online database before their trip stating the length of stay on the island.

Other policies that have been reported include a ban on consuming alcohol on the seafront, and a more strict enforcement of a local ban on littering. Any infraction of the anti-littering ordinance would result in a PHP 1000 (USD $20) fine or a jail sentence of 10-30 days.

To help enforce these policies, a group of business owners on the island called ‘Compliant Association of Boracay’ called for a new team of enforcers to catch and report those who litter on the island. In a letter to the DENR, the group stated: “We would like to do our share in keeping Boracay free of debris and litter. In line with this, we ask your good office to deputize the CAB members’ select staff and/or pollution officers herein called as “Boracay Marshals” to police the public areas.”

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