Flashback: Bohol’s tourism development program is a case study on how to change a reputation and rebuild a greener, more sustainable future | via FnBReport
With a new international airport, a revamped seaport and an ambitious drive to promote emerging destinations, Bohol is bracing for a massive influx of tourists. But can it handle the pressure?
Tourism makes up 90 percent of Bohol’s industry and based on trends, figures are expected to take off in 2018. Statistics from the Bohol Tourism Office indicated a growth rate of 66 percent in 2016, or 1,000,186 tourist arrivals versus the previous year’s 602,257. Where some thoughtful contemplation on the anticipated arrivals would lead to more robust economic growth, the expected deluge also speaks volumes about the slight apprehension of some, including Atty. Nunag, who points out the possible excessive pressure on the city’s capacity to accommodate such rapid growth.“Definitely there will be a shortage short-term because the airport will come in [but] the big hotels will not be ready until two or three years after,” he says.
“In Bohol, the mandate of the port authority is to have an export and import of goods within the area. But Bohol is very unique because 90 percent of the industry here is tourism,” says James Gantalao. “We were indirectly affected because our power lines are connected to Leyte so when disaster struck, we were in blackout for three weeks,” says Atty. Nunag. “Those [resorts] who had no gensets had to close and pass them on to other resorts; or those who had gensets but very few guests [had to] turn [guests] over to other resorts because it was unprofitable.”
While the arts may not entirely transform Bohol’s tourism power, they could provide a boost to encourage artists to create and support the existing tourism model heavily concentrated on Panglao’s beaches, the Chocolate Hills and its adventure park, and the Loboc River’s floating restaurant and. Similarly, Bohol has yet to fully capitalize on the potential of its untapped assets that would differentiate itself from its competition.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bohol named PH’s first Unesco ‘global geopark’Bohol, home of the iconic Chocolate Hills and one of the world’s best diving destinations, has been recognized as the Philippines’ first global geopark by the cultural agency of the United Nations. | leoudtohanINQ /PDI
Read more »
What makes Bohol Island the Philippines’ first UNESCO global geopark?The 216th UNESCO Executive Board Session declares Bohol Island as the country’s first Global Geopark. Here's why.
Read more »
Elderly peasant leader arrested in Bohol; family, union groups cry foulPolice confiscate various firearms when it raided the house of 75-year-old Adolfo Salas Sr., but his family says these were planted.
Read more »
Bohol Island listed as Global Geopark by UNESCOSeveral local government units (LGUs) in Cebu decided to suspend classes for tomorrow, Friday (May 26) as the country expects bad weather due to the effects of Typhoon Mawar. CDNDigital
Read more »
UN cultural body tags Bohol Island country’s first-ever Global GeoparkThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has recognized Bohol as the Philippines’ first Global Geopark, the agency said on Wednesday.
Read more »
UNESCO declares Bohol as first global geopark in PHThe island of Bohol has been declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the first and only global geopark in the Philippines. ManilaBulletin
Read more »