In an effort to jump-start the economy of Bohol via the restart of the tourism industry, the “Balik sa Bohol” program was initiated and will be held from February 21 to March 14, 2021.
This initiative is fully supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Board of the Philippines (TBP) and the Bohol Provincial Government.
According to the Tourism Board of the Philippines, Bohol remains in the top 3 tourist destinations in the Philippines, next to Boracay and Palawan. Tourism is one of the leading economic drivers of Bohol province.
The successful Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) in September; and the Philippine Tourism Destination Inventory and MICE+E Bohol Familiarization Trip, both held on the island in December; served to thrust Bohol’s tourism as it opened their shores to tourists. The “Balik sa Bohol tourism” program, which aims to boost interest among free and independent travelers (FIT) to visit Bohol, features an online sale on tourism accommodation and packages up to 70 percent. The program was launched via a virtual meeting, participated in by members of the local media and tourism stakeholders, held on February 10.
The media launch started with welcome remarks by Margie Munsayac (VP-Sales and Marketing of Bluewater Resorts) and messages from Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones (COO-Tourism Promotions Board), Shalimar Hofer Tamano (DOT Region VII Director), Mayor Leonila Montero (Panglao mayor), and Gov. Arthur Yap (Bohol governor).
their restaurant, and an organic farm.
The keynote speaker was Bernadette Romulo Puyat, secretary of the Department of Tourism. This was followed by a question and answer segment and a raffle, for media participants, of two 3-day/2-night stays for two at select Bohol resort, and a grand raffle of another 3-day/2-night stay for two with airfare and PCR tests included. Atty. Lucas “Doy” Nunag (chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council) delivered the closing remarks. A Balik sa Bohol Online Sales video, Cebu Pacific Air video, and TBP’s Safe Trip Pinas video were also presented.
In his speech, Gov. Arthur Yap stated that Bohol has long been ready for FITs wishing to enter Bohol as health and safety arrival protocols have been modified and loosened to fit the needs of tourists in co-relation to the guidelines set by the Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). FITs may enter Bohol and stay within the travel bubble if they are able to secure a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken 72 hours prior to arrival here in the province.
Also, according to Panglao Mayor Montero (whose town, Bohol’s premier tourist destination, suffered huge losses during the lockdown that turned the once-bustling island into a “ghost town”), measures to ensure safe tourism in the island are constantly on the move to strengthen its policies to ensure the safety of tourists while still making it more convenient to its incoming and outgoing guests. During tours, only accredited tourist transport services are allowed to accommodate tourists and a 24/7 tourist hot line has been placed to assist them with their concerns.
Participating companies in the online sale include The Acacia Glamping Park in Carmen, the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park in Batuan the Loboc River Resort in Loboc, plus six travel agencies and a number of resorts and hotels within Panglao Island. For reservations and bookings visit: http://www.traveloco.ph/balikbohol.
The participating resorts and hotels are Amarela Resort, Amorita Resort, BE Grand Hotel, The Bellevue Resort, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao, Bluewater Panglao Resort, Bohol Beach Club, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary, Modala Beach Resort and South Palms Resort Panglao, all in Panglao town; and Bohol Bee Farm and Mithi Resort & Spa, all in Dauis.
The participating travel agencies are Angel Wings Tours & Travel, Baclayon Travel & Tours, Bohol Holidays Travel & Tours Inc., Dagohoy Travel and Tours and Travel Village Tours and Travel, all based in Tagbilaran City; and Coordinates Tours & Travel based in Dauis, Panglao Island.
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