BOHOL tourism industry did not just shut up, instead, it shaped up as far as marketing/sale and other things, such as dwindling tourist arrivals, are concerned.
The local tourism stakeholders are wary over the on-going war of Israel and Iran that impacts the industry, disrupted bookings and businesses as it harms Boholanos who depend on tourism.
This emerged as the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants (BAHRR) thru hotelier Alan Torres presented its observation over the actual tourism situation in Bohol. He was assisted by Jerome Escoto, Ivy Wall resort manager.
The Israel-Iran conflict do not just impact Bohol’s tourism. It may also be true to other tourist destinations, and in tourist arrivals too, citing diminishing arrivals of Korean, said to be the main clients of Bohol. The group of hoteliers are trying to shift to other clients like the Japanese and Vietnamese.
Accordingly, this resulted after the abrupt closure of the whale watching activities which are the main menu for Koreans’ appetite to visit Bohol.
The whale watching suspension and Virgin Island closure used to be unique, attractive highly saleable “have become less engaging”, according to BAHHR.
Recently, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado ordered the suspension of all whale watching activities in the towns of Lila, Alburquerque and Dauis for violating marine mammal protocols.
But BAHRR said that Bohol is slightly better off than other destinations but 20% of the arrivals are slashed based on average year to date.
The group also presented the scenario on US president Donald Trump’s policy on immigration that worries stakeholders.
The Provincial Tourism Council executive meeting presided over by co-chairman Atty. Doy Nunag was also apprised of the impact to tourism here of the airplane crash in India and the expected surge of oil price rates due to the Israel-Iran conflict.
The said meeting last week was also attended by Fe Dominise, Board member Jamie Villamor, Atty. John Vistal, Joanne Pinat, Lourdes Sultan, LV Sarmiento, Marc Pernia and others. (rvo)
