The Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Governor Aris Aumentado, welcomed a team of consultants from CEST Inc. and Positive Exposure Productions (PEP) at the Capitol on Friday.
The consultants are tasked to prepare the Regional Tourism Development Plan of Central Visayas, which aims to boost the tourism sector in the region.
The courtesy visit was also attended by officials from the Department of Tourism (DOT), including Director Judilyn Quiachon of Tourism Coordination and Regional Operations, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
They discussed the scope and objectives of the project, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder.
Joanne Pinat, the Officer-In-Charge of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office, shared some of the best practices and challenges of Bohol’s tourism industry.
She also expressed her willingness to collaborate with the consultants and provide them with relevant data and information.
Governor Aumentado, who is also the Chairman of the Regional Development Council – Region 7, expressed his support for the project and assured that he will assist in facilitating its smooth implementation.
He said that he believes in the strategic change agenda on sustainable tourism, which aims to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.
The Regional Tourism Development Plan of Central Visayas is expected to be completed by December 2023.
It will serve as a blueprint for the development of tourism products, services, infrastructure, and policies in the region. It will also identify the priority areas and strategies for tourism promotion and marketing.