TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – Slowly but surely, tourism in the province of Bohol is getting back to its feet.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado said tourist arrivals in the province have picked up and it is expected to further improve in the coming months.
While the province is still hoping for more tourist arrivals, he said the tourism industry in Bohol has already recovered after it was badly hit by the pandemic.
“We have already recovered but we need more tourists. We have yet to return to the pre-pandemic figures but arrivals have been increasing,” Aumentado said in a press briefing on Monday, Nov. 21.
Aumentado and several provincial capitol officials recently flew to South Korea as part of the province’s efforts to boost tourism.
“We will fortify our tourism. We just came from South Korea where our tourism protocols talked to their counterparts,” Aumentado said.
As a result of the trip, the governor said at least 10,000 South Koreans will visit Bohol starting next month until February. The South Korean tourists will arrive by batch.
Bohol is known for its white sand beaches, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and various historical treasures and rich cultural heritage.
“They will be visiting not just Bohol but also Cebu and other areas where they can enjoy,” Aumentado said.
Aumentado assured that Bohol can accommodate the influx of South Korean tourists in the coming months.
The governor added that he is hoping that Bohol can have more international flights so it can attract more foreign tourists. Currently, the province only has three international flights a week.
Aumentado said the province will also work to add more sea trips. “We will invite more ferries so we can cater more tourists,” Aumentado said.