Bohol provincial officials are moving to consolidate whale shark watching operations to a single site and crack down on unaccredited tour operators as part of measures to protect the local tourism industry and marine resources.
Board Member Natan Binlod proposed limiting whale shark watching to one location in the province to avoid excessive competition between municipalities and protect the whale sharks’ welfare.
Binlod made the proposal during a Provincial Board Committee on Environment and Natural Resources hearing examining the possibility of reopening whale shark interaction activities in the province.
The board member said strict regulations must be enforced for whale shark watching activities, with site selection based on scientific studies and recommendations from marine conservation experts and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Binlod did not specify which municipality should host the activity but stressed decisions should be data-driven rather than based on politics or business interests.
He cited Cebu province’s model, where only Oslob is authorized to operate whale shark watching, saying the system provides more organized tourism management and more effective protection for whale sharks and the environment.
Meanwhile, tour operator Mary Rose Edubas called on the public and tourists to transact only with legitimate DOT-accredited travel agencies to avoid scams, overpricing and unfair services, particularly for trips to Panglao, one of the province’s top tourism destinations.
Edubas dismissed claims that Bohol tourism is “expensive” or “gold-priced,” saying negative social media posts typically come from do-it-yourself travelers victimized by unaccredited operators charging excessive prices.
She said DOT-accredited agencies offer affordable and transparent tour packages including transportation, meals and other services ensuring quality and tourist safety.
Edubas added it was inappropriate to blame Governor Aris Aumentado and the provincial government for complaints about food and service prices in Panglao, as local government has no direct authority over market pricing.
The provincial government on Wednesday held a Tourism Stakeholders Forum bringing together government and private sector representatives to strengthen the local tourism industry and address issues facing local businesses.
Provincial Tourism Officer Joan Pinat said complaints and suggestions collected at the forum would be forwarded to national agencies with jurisdiction over tourism and transportation for coordinated action.
The forum also addressed issues about disorganized passenger pickup systems at the Philippine Ports Authority Tagbilaran City and competition from foreign investors, particularly Korean investors.
Pinat said the gathering provided an opportunity to plan new attractions and services to showcase Bohol in the coming year, especially as peak season approaches following a lean season that saw reduced tourist arrivals.