The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) welcomed a group of Chinese travel
agents on Sunday, November 26, 2023, as part of the Philippines-China Travel Expo
organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board
(TPB).
The travel agents conducted an ocular inspection of the facilities and amenities of
the BPIA, which is the country’s first eco-airport and the gateway to the island
province of Bohol.
They also met with the airport officials, led by Acting Airport Manager Anghelo
Ibañez and Air Terminal Supervisor Frank Tayag, to discuss the possibility of
mounting chartered flights from China to Bohol.
The Philippines-China Travel Expo is an initiative of the DOT, through its office in
Shanghai, China, and the TPB, to promote the Philippines as a safe and attractive
destination for Chinese tourists.
The expo features various activities, such as business-to-business meetings, product
presentations, cultural performances, and familiarization tours, to showcase the
diverse and rich offerings of the Philippines.
According to the DOT, China is one of the top source markets of foreign visitors to
the Philippines, with 1.8 million arrivals in 2022.
DOT aims to increase this number to 2.5 million by 2024, as part of its target of 12
million international tourist arrivals by the end of the Duterte administration.
BPIA, which was inaugurated in 2018, has a capacity of 2 million passengers per
year and can accommodate seven aircraft at a time.
It boasts of a green design that incorporates natural ventilation, solar panels,
rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting. Panglao airport also offers a
scenic view of the Bohol Sea and the famous Chocolate Hills.
BPIA serves as the main gateway to Bohol, which is known for its natural and
cultural attractions, such as the tarsier sanctuary, the Loboc River cruise, the
Baclayon Church, the Panglao Island beaches, and the Danao Adventure Park.
Bohol is also home to the Boholano people, who are renowned for their hospitality,
creativity, and resilience.