The Boracaynon

By Gil delos Santos While the western world now combats against over tourism, the Philippines in other hand struggles to get a good share on foreign arrivals: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Q44TeFswV/ The latest Seasia stats report placed the Philippines at the bottom with 3m arrivals from January to August 2025 versus the top: Malaysia and Thailand with over 20m respectively, Vietnam with 13m.  Pre-pandemic (in 2019), Thailand records 30m+, Vietnam 18m, The Philippines with 8m. It has always been a struggle for the Philippines. But 2025 is looking the worst so far.  We always read reports on statistics but we don't often see the reasons why we're behind—except for the usual complains how bad our Department of Tourism is being run. I have followed the tourist arrival stats and trends in the past years. I research and collect tourist impressions over time. Here's what I found out: FACTORS AFFECTING LOW FOREIGN ARRIVAL 1) 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶...

There's a brewing war against over tourism around the world right now. Recently, Spain marched to the streets to protest against Airbnb operators who overfill the country. Protesters even spray water guns to tourists because it disables the locals' privilige to enjoy its local serenity. Over tourism robs social benefits from locals seen in the increased rental fees and commodities caused by high demand. France temporarily closes some landmarks for tourists as local workers protest for over crowd. Mexico went violent in protest destroying restaurants and boutique shops in tourist places. Australia rushes to create policies to counter over tourism. Other European country residents have become too vocal on protest against over tourism. COMMON CAUSE OF MOVEMENT AGAINST OVER TOURISM  1) Overcrowding in Popular Destinations 2) Rising Housing and living Costs 3) Environmental Impact 4) Loss of Local Identity and Culture 5) Strain on Infrastructure 6) Unbalanced Economy CAUSE OF OVER T...