First District Cong. Edgar Chatto, who is the principal author of the Tourism Act of 2009 or Republic Act 9593 considered the “Bible of Philippine Tourism”, said that he sees the tourism industry in Bohol as among the sectors expected to bounce back after having been severely impacted by the Coronavirus disease (Covid) pandemic.
Chatto says that he is confident that as travel restrictions are eased up, people will start to travel to key destinations in the country such as Bohol and spur the revitalization of the tourism industry.
In a report by the Bohol Tourism Office, Bohol hosted 1.5 million tourists in 2019. The travel restrictions due to the pandemic caused a contraction in the number of tourist arrivals where there were only 177,841 visitors in Bohol in 2020 and the province only had 179,781 tourists in 2021.
According to the office of Cong. Chatto, the province lost around P11.7 billion in revenues coming from the tourism industry and allied service or industries.
The Provincial Government of Bohol amid the pandemic had vigorously pursued recovery efforts by implementing promotional initiatives with the help of tourism industry stakeholders such as the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PhilTOA), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
As Bohol tourism finds its way towards recovery, new tourism circuits are being developed or introduced to travelers, the solon bared.
According to Bohol Tourism Office head Josephine Cabbarus, about 32 nature and adventure based tourism sites, 8 farm sites, and 12 culture and heritage-based tourism sites are currently open.
At least 263 accommodation establishments are accredited by DOT with 34 sites and establishments recognized with the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) seal of compliance to health and safety protocol, environmental requirements and carrying capacity policies.
Moreover, Chatto emphasizes that job creation is a priority for economic recovery.
“Agriculture and infrastructure must continue to stimulate growth together with Medium Small Micro Enterprises (MSMEs),” he stated,
The solon noted that rising costs of travel, food and commodities due to fuel increase is another big challenge that can affect the quick recovery of key industries such as tourism.