“BOHOL is ready and waiting for your visit,” Gov. Aris Aumentado said, addressing tourism industry stakeholders and inviting travel enthusiasts at the Central Visayas Tourism Product presentation of the 33rd Philippine Travel Mart ongoing at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex on Friday afternoon.
The governor’s message ushered the unveiling of the new Bohol Promotional Video featuring the song Tuloy Pa Rin by Ito Rapadas of Neocolours performed by the Loboc Children’s Choir, Mae Cruspero and Serenity Band. The 5-minute tourism recovery video depicts destination favorites, new sites and outdoor adventure activities even after the pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
According to Aumentado, Bohol has recorded a 52% growth in the number of tourists arriving in the province for the first half of this year alone – a steady recovery from its slump due to travel restrictions in the past 2 years.
With this optimistic number, Aumentado said Bohol’s tourism development plan is directed towards diversifying tourism offerings such as in eco-tourism, heritage and faith-based, food and farm, fitness and adventure, arts and crafts, smart and even sports tourism to ensure a memorable experience for tourists and travelers.
The Bohol pavilion of 10 exhibitors opens with an urna or “bahay ng Santo” – hand crafted and painted by local artists and shipped to Manila just for the 3-day tour and travel expo.
PTC Vice Chair for Private Sector Lourdes Sultan explained that the exhibit showcases different tourism products highlighting farm to table experiences, outdoor adventure and fitness, faith based tourism through the Via Maria pilgrimage and tour of restored churches, local delicacies such as the tinapay, broas, ube, calamay, and rice wine.
The booths also display local products made of raffia and bamboo.
Bohol exhibitors include LGU Loboc, Loboc River Resort, Bohol Society of Travel Agencies (BSTA), LGU Carmen, Rio Verde Floating Restuarant-Loay, LGU Panglao, Best Western Plus The Ivy Wall, Ramyer Travel & Tours/Bohol Sunside Resort, LGU Anda, and Chandelier Wedding Coordination and Events.
South Palms Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Mithi Resort and Spa, Bohol Beach Club, Modala Beach Resort, Solea Coast Resort Panglao, and The Bellevue Resort also participated in the travel expo.
The event was also graced by provincial officials including Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte, Congressional Representatives Edgar Chatto, Vanessa Aumentado, Alexie Tutor, Board Members Tita Baja and Jamie Aumentado-Villamor as well as tourism industry partners and stakeholders: DOT Usec./Reg. Dir. Shalimar Tamano, Provincial Tourism Council chair Atty. Lucas Nunag, and Tourism Office head Jo Cabarrus.
Over 200 exhibitors are offering accommodations, flights, as well as, domestic and international travel packages at discounted rates at the biggest travel trade exhibition in the country which runs until today. It is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT). (rvo/Lea Marchil)
