The Loboc tourism office has announced a postponement in the fee hike for the Loboc River Cruise, moving the date from April 1 to April 15, 2024.
The decision, as stated by Elmer Vazquez, is due to the need for additional time to address certain issues in the plan.
The popular tourist attraction, known for its floating restaurant experiences, will maintain its current rate of P850 per person.
The proposed increase of P150 has been delayed following netizen opposition and discussions surrounding the necessity of the hike due to inflation and maintenance costs.
Officials have also noted that the additional revenue from the increased fees will contribute to a modern commissary, enhancing the quality of food served to visitors.
PUBLIC OUTRAGE
This increase arrives as Bohol still contends with the economic fallout from Typhoon Odette, the post-pandemic recovery efforts, and ongoing debates over unauthorized constructions in the iconic Chocolate Hills.
The hike has provoked a torrent of criticism on social media platforms, with many denouncing the decision as poorly timed and excessive.
The discontent is palpable among residents whose livelihoods are intertwined with the influx of visitors, as they fear the augmented costs may deter the very tourists upon whom their prosperity depends.
In a statement addressing the outcry, the Association of Loboc Floating Restaurant Operators (ALFRO) and the Loboc local government have articulated the rationale behind the augmented rates:
“The price increase for Loboc River Cruise is a result of several factors that we feel are essential,” the statement reads.
“Both the LGU Loboc and ALFRO are striving to elevate the Loboc River Cruise to global competitiveness. The escalation in operational costs, including the price of fresh ingredients sourced locally to ensure top-notch culinary offerings, has been significant. Our commitment to bolstering our local suppliers is unwavering, even as they grapple with their own rising expenses,” the statement reads.
The statement further details investments in a state-of-the-art commissary to guarantee food safety and hygiene, alongside initiatives to enhance staff training and provide equitable wages in response to the increasing cost of living.
Moreover, ALFRO has invested in the refurbishment and expansion of their fleet, including the construction of 10 new boats to replace those lost to Typhoon Odette, and the restoration of the typhoon-damaged docking port.
“We understand that price increases are never welcome news,” the statement concludes. “We wish to assure you that this decision was not made lightly. We, too, share the desire of our fellow Boholanos to take pride in the Loboc River Cruise experience.”
As the community grapples with the implications of the rate hike, the future of the Loboc River Cruise — a symbol of Bohol’s tourism appeal — hangs in the balance, according to one travel blogger.
Will the promise of enhanced services and infrastructure justify the increased financial burden on tourists, or will the tranquil waters of the Loboc witness a decline in the gentle wake of its floating restaurants? The answer lies on the horizon, the blogger said.