Beyond the Beach: Balancing Environmental and Socio-cultural Sustainability in Boracay, the Philippines

Political Ecology, Island Tourism Planning, and Climate Change Adaptation on Boracay, Philippines

“…Boracay is frequently mentioned by the national tourism organisation as the crown jewel of Philippine tourism, and one of the marketing foundations for the island is that it is dubbed as having the world's best beaches (ABS-CBN News, 2013; Ong et al, 2011). This claim is at best valid for the majority of the interviewed stakeholders: "Because of the strong marketing being done for Boracay, it has become a tradition for some families or visitors to make it a tradition to visit the island" (TourismBiz_JCS, 2013).…”

“…However, current development on the island, which has been subject to rapid tourism urbanisation, points to a stagnation stage in the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model, with massive intervention needed to avoid environmental, infrastructural, and visitor experience degradation (Smith et al, 2011). Indeed, although Boracay is frequently portrayed as a tourism gem, it is cited in the literature as an example of tourism gone wrong, with a myriad of environmental and social problems (Carter, 2004;Ong et al, 2011). As early as 1997, researchers sounded the alarm on the need to remain within physical, tourist, resident, transport, and governance carrying capacity thresholds if Boracay was to continue as a sustainable destination (Trousdale, 1997(Trousdale, , 1999.…”

“…As early as 1997, researchers sounded the alarm on the need to remain within physical, tourist, resident, transport, and governance carrying capacity thresholds if Boracay was to continue as a sustainable destination (Trousdale, 1997(Trousdale, , 1999. The growth since the 1990s has so far resulted in a situation characterised by ad hoc coastal tourism development, emphasis on improvement and cleanliness of the 'visual environment' but lacking in social and cultural sustainability, and mutual adjustment among various stakeholders (Carter, 2004;Ong et al, 2011). The island is deemed very important to the Philippines' tourism, and its challenges are currently co-managed by the national government through the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), and the local government of Malay, thereby going against the spirit of local government devolution.…”

Sustainable Tourism in Asia — Current Situation, Trends, and Existing Practices

“…One of the popular 'sun & beach' destinations in the Philippines, Boracay, is an example of a small island facing socio-cultural challenges due to a massive influx of tourists [Ong, Storey, and Minnery, 2011]. With the growing population in the Philippines, labour migration occurs to 'touristy' islands and it creates social tension between locals and migrants.…”

“…With the growing population in the Philippines, labour migration occurs to 'touristy' islands and it creates social tension between locals and migrants. In their fieldwork survey, Ong, Storey, and Minnery [2011] analysed Boracay's economic benefits resulting from tourism. Most of tourism benefits went to non-Boracay individuals, such as 'resort owners' and 'investors from outside.'…”