IGaCoS another Boracay?
It seems every time another resort is announced or further developments are proposed on Samal Island, a comparison to Boracay is made. Depending upon which side you take, and whether this is in regards to tourism or industrial use, it can be a positive or negative comparison.
I’ve never been to Boracay, but of course if I’ve heard of it, as it is known world wide and one of the first places you hear about when discussion turns to the Philippines. I’m not sure how many resorts Boracay has, or what it would take to be in that class, but it seems to me that IGaCoS has already plenty of resorts for it’s size. Current count is around 30, with at least a couple more coming.
The tourism council president of IGaCoS, Araceli Ayuste, says they want to make sure that Samal Island never becomes another Boracy. They want it to be better.
“We don’t want this island to become the next Boracay because we know it can become much better than Boracay.”
“As much as possible, we’d like to keep the natural rural setting of Samal, inspite of being a city. We don’t like to see our island’s natural resources over-exploited by many investors,” says Ayuste who also runs Punta del Sol, a beach resort, one of around 30 resorts in the sword-shaped island surrounded by the deep blue waters of Davao Gulf.”
“Why Samal Island doesn’t want to be the next Boracay” – balita.ph/2008/10/16, goes on to talk about keeping the island from becoming overcrowd, but at the same time about the influx of foreigners and how they have helped the local economy with their investments in the area.
It’s quite a balancing act IGaCoS is involved in. One that will play out over time, hopefully with positive results. I guess that will be determined in the eye of the beholder.
photo: fickr cc
Hi RAndy, Well I have heard lots of bad things that happened to Boracay and certainly do not want Samal to end up like what I heard. The problem also leads to the pollution in the surrounding waters. We have the gulf here which is surrounded in all corners, except the south. We have to protect it as much as possible as it is also a source of income for the local fishermen. I know Holiday Oceanview incorporates a treatment plant for the outflow. So should all the developments here.
Hi Ellen – one positive that I’ve seen is that at least a couple of officials of the island have stated their desire to keep the island from over developing. Whether these people have any say in the matter, I don’t know.
It’s very apparent to anyone thats been to Samal, that the appeal is not only the white beaches but the feeling of being away from it all. It’s difficult to be away from it all, if you bring it all over to the island.
From what I’ve read so far, I’m very impressed with both HOS and Playa. They both seem to be great additions to the community. I’d be happy if it stayed with those and we didn’t see anymore for awhile, though.
I personally feel that Samal is going to become a major tourist destination. In this respect, I would call it the next (or a subsequent) Boracay. That said, it can develop further and avoid a lot of the pitfalls that Boracay encountered along the way, and I hope that it will. In many ways, it saddens me that it would become overly-touristy, but I think it is unavoidable.
Hi Bob – I guess change is inevitable. Many people would be happy to see the growth of the island, and tourism would probably be the most desirable option.
I’m not sure what are all the pitfalls of Boracay, like I said I’ve not been there, but if any of them can be learned from and avoided, that would certainly be welcome. Overcrowding seems to be a main concern, and probably leads to many of the issues, I’m guessing.
It is interesting that tourism council president is also the owner of Punta del Sol. Wonder if competition is also a factor in her statements?