- Province, airport stakeholders map 18-month strategy
BOHOL is moving to arrest a decline in tourist traffic and revive bookings through a two-stage tourism recovery plan as the province faces the potential loss of around 280,000 passengers if the downturn is not addressed.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and Bohol Panglao International Airport | Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corporation have mapped out immediate and longer-term measures aimed at generating bookings, stabilizing key tourism markets, improving connectivity, and strengthening Bohol’s tourism products.
The recovery strategy was discussed during a meeting between provincial government, tourism and business stakeholders, and Aboitiz InfraCapital officials on September 24, 2026, at the Governor’s Office.
Blessie Cruz, Head of Tourism and Destination Marketing of Aboitiz InfraCapital, presented the two-stage plan and stressed that Bohol’s window for tourism recovery is narrowing.
Under the first stage, covering the initial 90 days, stakeholders will concentrate on generating bookings and stopping the decline through targeted promotions in international markets, identifying priority consumers, preparing tourism products, and using market data to guide promotional campaigns.
The second stage, covering months four to 18, will focus on building more stable tourism markets and stronger products through route development, improved connectivity with other major tourism destinations, and better access to Bohol’s tourism offerings.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Vice President for External Affairs Christopher Camba said the company has started strengthening destination promotion, including engaging personnel dedicated to marketing Bohol and working with local stakeholders and international tourism markets.
The recovery plan also seeks to address concerns affecting the visitor experience and make tourism services easier to find, compare, verify, and book.
Among the measures discussed were the publication of standard prices and inclusions for transportation and other tourism services, establishment of a searchable directory of verified tourism providers, wider availability of Bohol tour packages on online travel platforms, and creation of a centralized channel for visitor complaints.
The proposed measures are intended to give visitors clearer information on prices, services, and accredited providers while making travel planning and booking in Bohol more convenient.
The PGBh, tourism operators, airport officials, and other industry stakeholders are expected to work together in implementing the proposed interventions.
The Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) will take a key role in developing the directory of verified tourism providers, while industry partners will help expand the availability of Bohol tourism products online.
The September 24 meeting brought together Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, Provincial Tourism Council Co-chair Atty. Lucas Nunag, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators President Lourdes Sultan, Bohol Association of Hotels Resorts and Restaurants President Doer Escoto, and BPTO Head Joanne Pinat.
The Department of Tourism has also provided funding for Bohol’s destination promotion, complementing the planned initiatives of the provincial government, airport stakeholders, and the local tourism industry.
The collaboration supports the PGBh’s Strategic Governance Roadmap through sustainable tourism, stronger connectivity, and improved visitor services while showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/ARB)
