‘Smart’ port system coming to Boracay in April
Station Zero in Boracay | Photo by JMS
MANILA, Philippines — The technology arm of Cebu-based Top Line Business Development Corp. has partnered with the provincial government of Aklan to establish an automated ticketing system in Boracay, thus hastening the overall travel process in one of the country’s top tourist destinations in time for the busy summer season.
Under the agreement, Topline Hi Tech and Synergy Corp. will implement a smart port system at the Boracay ports of Caticlan and Cagban that will consolidate terminal, environmental and boat fees into a single automated transaction.
The system will make use of quick-response codes to track the process via a mobile application, Topline said in a statement on Wednesday.
READ: Boracay tourist arrivals slightly dip in 2024
The first phase will be implemented in April in time for the summer season, during which Boracay welcomes thousands of tourists.
“Our smart port system makes accessing Boracay easier than ever by removing the traditional hassle of travel and empowering visitors to focus on enjoying their time on the island,” said Erik Lim, president and CEO of Topline Hi Tech.
Tourists visiting Boracay Island currently have to queue multiple times during their arrival to process their registration and payments for boat fares, and pay administrative, environmental and terminal fees.
The Topline Travel App will allow travelers to book and pay for their transit in advance. Those who prefer in-person transactions can likewise pay through an on-site automated kiosk, which also offers cashless payment options.
Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores called the smart port system a “game-changer,” as it “[enhances] the overall tourism experience.”
“By embracing innovation, we ensure a smoother, more efficient journey for all our foreign and domestic visitors, while fostering sustainable growth for the island’s tourism industry,” Miraflores said.
Data from the local government of Malay showed that the island welcomed 2.1 million tourists last year, down by 2 percent in 2023.
