Partygoers in the Philippine holiday hotspot of Boracay have been urged to act more responsibly and help clean up the coastline after all night beach parties – with an incentive of free booze.
To raise awareness, the island has launched the ‘Cause for a New Coast’ campaign which will take place this ‘Labor Day’ party weekend, dubbed ‘Laboracay’.
The Department of Tourism estimates at least 80,000 tourists will attend the events this year, including music concerts, sports events and raves, generating thousands of tonnes of trash.
“This Cause for a New Coast campaign was initiated to help clean and restore this island paradise. Every year, thousands of visitors leave garbage along White Beach, which gradually affects the natural surroundings, especially after LaBoracay,” said Saki Mirabueno, head of marketing for Boracay Newcoast.
The clean-up events will be organised by local officials, tourism stakeholders and local environmental groups.
Partygoers are being encouraged to get involved with the lure of free drinks supplied by the Philippines’ leading brandy distiller.
“We will be distributing trash bags on May 1 and May 2 to partygoers and we will collect them on that same day at the partner bars in exchange for free drinks. We want partygoers to participate in this one small act,” Mirabueno said.
