CEBU CITY – The province of Bohol showcased its popular tourist destinations when it participated in the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Gov. Aris Aumentado led the Bohol delegation in the biggest and longest-running travel fair held from September 1 to 3.
During the fair, Bohol set up a booth consistent with the strategic change agenda of sustainable tourism and the recent designation of the province as United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Global Geopark.
“In our commitment to sustainable tourism, our concepts in all engagements, like in this tourism fair, showcase bamboo as well as local products made and produced in Bohol,” said Bohol Provincial Tourism Office head Joanne Pinat.
The booth features the municipalities of Anda, Panglao, and Loboc with Loboc River Cruise, Carmen along with LV Travel and Tours, and Rio Verde Floating Resto.
Special product participants include the towns of Antequera, Aproniana Gift Shop, CocoBerry, Tan Inong’s Asin Tibook, JZAKI Rice Wine, and Tubigon Loomweavers Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Bohol exhibitors also included Ramyer Travel and Tours, Amorita Resort, Bohol Beach Club, Mithi Resort and Spa, Parklane Hotels and Resort, South Palms Resort Panglao, The Bellevue Hotels and Resort, Bohol Shores, BE Grand Resort Panglao, Bluewater Resort Panglao, and Ecotravelers Travel and Tours.
The province’s geographic icon Chocolate Hills was the highlight of the province’s Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) booth.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte noted that the province posted a 114.12 percent increase in tourist arrivals from January to June this year compared to the same period last year.
Aside from Aumentado, Provincial Board Members Jamie Villamor, Lucille Lagunay, and Nathaniel Binlod, together with Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-delos Reyes, San Miguel Mayor Ian Gil Mendez, Provincial Tourism Council Chairman Atty. Lucas Nunag, and vice chairperson for private sector Lourdes Sultan also graced the fair’s opening festivities.
The PTM was participated in by nearly 300 exhibitors from all 17 regions of the country, bringing together hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism offices offering vacation package discounts and deals for travel patrons.