Thursday, February 10, 2011

“Major, Major” Tourism Investments in Aklan


Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, in his 7th State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered during the 3rd Regular Session of Aklan SP cited the forthcoming in of billions of pesos for tourism related investments in Aklan, reported Richie D. Oloroso of the Aklan SP.

Marquez cited the P2.5 billion modernization and expansion of the Caticlan Airport on a build-operate-transfer project to be undertaken by the Trans Aire Development Holdings Corporation. The project is designed to widen and extend the airport runway, to construct the 200-square meter two-storey passenger terminal building and install navigation and air traffic control facilities.

The Aklan Governor also mentioned the multi-billion development of a 500-hectare property in Malay and Nabas of the Akean Resorts Corporation to be undertaken by the Alphalang Corporation which will develop the area into a world-class tourism complex.

Among the facilities to be installed are polo and equestrian facilities, water villas, water sports, and residential estates.

Marquez, likewise, revealed the further expansion of the Kalibo International Airport this year which will entail public investments of about P235 million to finance the extension of the runway, renovation of the old terminal building, roadway emprovement and vehicles parking area.

Aklan’s tourism industry is on the upswing with tourist arrivals in Boracay increasing by 20 percent annually from 649,559 in 2009 to 779,666 in 2010. Of this number, 278,531 were foreign tourists which increased by 44.41 percent from 192,873 in 2009.

The 2010 tourist arrivals netted for Aklan an estimated P14.3 billion in terms of tourism receipts. /MP

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