THE Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) strengthened coordination with tourism stakeholders through the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) Executive Committee Monthly Meeting at the PADMO Conference Hall of the New Provincial Capitol on August 20, 2026.
PTC Co-Chairman Atty. Lucas Nunag and BPTO Head Joanne Pinat led the meeting, with Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, PPDO Head Atty. John Titus Vistal, BEDIPO OIC Jude Bernard Guieb, BPEMO OIC Restituto Piollo Jr., PIMO AOV Marc Anthony Pernia, and representatives from BBCAD.
Also participating were Lourdes Sultan, PTC Vice Chair and BATTO President; Doer Escoto, BAHRR President; Liza Macalandag, BACH Council President; Steve Palaca of BCTTPS; Chris Nistal of BTOA; Ramon Felisilda of TuGAS; Ivy Bulaybulay Kung of PADO; representatives from Dauis Municipal Tourism Office; and other tourism stakeholders, to discuss industry developments, emerging concerns, and opportunities for sustainable tourism growth.
Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VII and representatives from its Tourism Development Division also participated through Google Meet to provide updates on tourism development and accreditation matters.
The council reviewed the province’s recent and upcoming tourism marketing activities, including the Sandugo Travel and Tourism Expo held July 29–31, preparations for the Philippine Travel Mart on September 4–8 at SMX, and the upcoming Visit Bohol activities in October.
The council also tackled the growing recognition of Bohol’s tourism destinations, including Alona Beach’s inclusion among Travel and Tour World’s top Philippine beaches for 2026.
Another development highlighted during the meeting was the recognition of the Chocolate Hills as a geological heritage site, a significant milestone that further strengthens Bohol’s position as a destination anchored on its internationally recognized geological and cultural assets.
The Chocolate Hills is set to receive formal recognition in October, affirming its geological value and reinforcing the province’s commitment to protecting and promoting its natural heritage.
Connectivity and tourism market expansion remained one of the priorities as discussed during the meeting.
The council also presented an update on the Aboitiz roadshow and charter flight initiatives, including a December charter flight with Cebu Pacific and plans for continuing charter services in 2027.
A key discussion also centered on leveraging Bohol’s UNESCO Global Geopark designation as a foundation for sustainable and long-term tourism development.
Updates on the recent Geopark revalidation and the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium were presented, alongside the launch of the Bohol Geopark website.
The online site is now accessible to the public at geopark.bohol.gov.ph, providing visitors with information and resources to explore Bohol’s geological heritage, geosites, and sustainable geotourism initiatives.
Furthermore, the council also discussed sectoral concerns, including permitting matters involving macaques in the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape, which will be coordinated with the DENR.
Refresher orientations for tourism guides and an assembly for transport partners were also being prepared.
Preparations for Dive Fiesta 2027, targeted for July, were also presented, advancing its plans to establish additional dive sites in Bohol to accommodate the growing number of divers.
The plan will decongest Panglao’s established dive areas and encourage the expansion of marine tourism to other parts of the province.
The meeting further reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, local governments, tourism organizations, private sector partners, and communities in strengthening Bohol’s tourism industry while protecting its natural, geological, and cultural assets.
Through these coordinated efforts, the PGBh, under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, continues to advance Bohol’s sustainable tourism, aligned with its Strategic Governance Roadmap 2028. (PIMO/RJG)
