KOREAN investors presented a marine tourism promotion proposal to the Provincial Government of Bohol on October 12, 2026, to attract more South Korean tourists.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, together with Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO) Head Joanne Pinat, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) Officer-in-Charge Restituto Jr. Piollo, and Coastal Resource Management Division Head Villa Pelindingue, welcomed investors Kwon Kyuhwa and David Yun, accompanied by Atty. Freddie Villamor and Atty. Roland Inting, at the Governor’s Office.
During the visit, the investors expressed interest in marketing Bohol’s marine tourism attractions in South Korea, citing the province’s potential to offer convenient, well-organized travel experiences.
Yun stressed that expanding tourism activities, including whale shark watching and scuba diving, could help attract more visitors to Bohol.
Yun added the importance of stable tourism activities and clear arrangements so travel packages can be promoted in advance and visitors can avoid unexpected changes during their trips.
As a next step, the group plans to conduct a dry run in Bohol in November and film promotional materials showcasing the province’s marine attractions for marketing in South Korea.
He also noted that the recent decline in tourist arrivals may be influenced by rising airfare costs and fuel surcharges, rather than the earlier suspension of whale shark watching.
He cited safety concerns following the reported shooting of two Korean nationals, which may have affected South Korean travelers’ confidence in visiting the Philippines.
The initiative presents an opportunity to broaden Bohol’s tourism market while balancing economic opportunities with environmental protection.
This also supports Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Governance Roadmap to promote sustainable tourism and inclusive local development across Bohol, the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/ARB)
