BY:DONALD SEVILLA

REALITY BITES

The huge drop in our tourist arrivals comes as no surprise. It was forthcoming yet we barely noticed the signs.

We had it so good for so long,we lost our bearings. We became complacent, overconfident the tourists would keep coming and above all allowed our greed to engulf us.

What happens next depends on how we move things to address the problem. 

Tourism is a volatile industry often made susceptible by external factors  beyond our control. The war in the Gulf between the US and Iran, surely affects the world economy to a certain extent but it is just a small part of our bigger problem.

With or without the war ensuing, we would still be confronted by the problems we face as many have arisen because of our own doing. 

But before we can truly address the issue, we must first come to terms with ourselves and admit our shortcomings. 

We cannot stand idle and hide behind our pride, justifying the circumstances we think may have caused it and passing the blame. 

Truth to tell these things did not happen overnight. It was the result of years of neglect and complacency. 

Bohol may be a paradise no  doubt, but we are not the only wonderful place here on this earth. There are other places to visit, equally beautiful and affordable. 

In this day and age of modern technology, information is easily accessed giving people more options. Tourists are getting smarter and want value for their money. At a click of a mouse they have a lot of choices available to them. 

So the big question is, why the Philippines? Why Bohol? 

The tourist arrival data compiled by the local tourism office in Panglao from January to May of this year showed an alarming drop. 

What do you think may have caused it? We can squeeze our brains and come up  with a lot of reasons but still one lingering issue remains. 

Are you getting your money’s worth in Bohol? Is Bohol GOLD? 

Value for money is not necessarily CHEAP, make no mistake about it.  It is the feeling of SATISFACTION you get after spending on your travels that does not leave you wanting!